JEDDAH: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Saturday strongly condemned and categorically rejected Israel’s decision to recognise the so-called “Somaliland” as an independent state, terming the move a blatant violation of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The condemnation was issued during the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held at the organisation’s General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah to discuss recent developments following Israel’s announcement on December 26, 2025.
Addressing the opening session, OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha said the meeting was being held at a highly sensitive time, warning that Israel’s recognition of “Somaliland” set a dangerous precedent, violated international law and posed a direct threat to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Pakistan was represented at the meeting by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. The session adopted two resolutions — one condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and another rejecting plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians.
In its resolution, the OIC reaffirmed its full and unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and internationally recognised borders, and expressed solidarity with the Somali government and people. It reiterated its rejection of any actions that undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity or interfere in its internal affairs.
The organisation said Israel’s move constituted a flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter and fundamental principles of state sovereignty, warning that it threatened peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
The OIC further stressed that Somaliland remains an integral and inseparable part of Somalia and does not possess any independent legal or international status. It also condemned an alleged visit by an Israeli official to Somaliland on January 6, 2026, describing it as a serious breach of Somalia’s sovereignty.
The resolution rejected any foreign military, security or intelligence presence on Somali territory without the consent of the federal government, calling such actions a “red line that cannot be crossed”.
The OIC urged member states and international organisations to refrain from engaging with Somaliland authorities outside Somalia’s constitutional framework.
In a separate resolution, the organisation also rejected any cooperation with Israeli plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land, including Gaza, warning that such actions would constitute serious violations of international and humanitarian law.
The OIC called on its secretary general to engage the United Nations Security Council, General Assembly and the UN Secretary General to highlight the gravity of Israel’s actions and urged the international community to uphold international peace and security.