Muslim countries, OIC condemn Israeli official’s visit to ‘Somaliland’

The foreign ministers of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Yemen, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have strongly condemned a recent visit by an Israeli official to the “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

In a joint statement, the ministers said they were “recalling the earlier statement of 27 December 2025, by the foreign ministers rejecting Israel’s recognition of the ‘Somaliland’ Region of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” and “express their strong condemnation of the recent illegal visit by the Israeli official to ‘Somaliland’ Region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on 6 January 2026.”

The statement said the ministers “state that the said visit constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and undermines established international norms and the United Nations Charter.”

Reaffirming their position, the foreign ministers said they “reaffirm their unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” and “underline that encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region.”

The joint statement further emphasized that “respect for international law, non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for regional and international stability.”

The ministers also “commend the Federal Republic of Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and adherence to international law,” and “express their commitment in continuing to support diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability in line with international law.”

Concluding the statement, the foreign ministers “stress that Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity and honor its obligations in compliance with international law, and demand immediate revocation of the recognition issued by Israel.”