Arab, Islamic Nations Condemn Israel’s Diplomatic Move in Somaliland

CAIRO, Egypt — A coalition of more than a dozen Arab and Islamic nations issued a stinging rebuke of Israel on Saturday, condemning its decision to appoint a diplomatic representative to the breakaway region of Somaliland as a "flagrant violation" of Somalia’s sovereignty.

The joint statement, signed by foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, Pakistan, and 10 other nations, marks a significant diplomatic escalation in the Horn of Africa. The ministers characterized the move as an infringement on the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and a breach of international law.

"These actions constitute a clear breach of the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union," the statement read. "They set a dangerous precedent that could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa, with negative implications for regional peace and security as a whole."

The backlash follows Israel’s recent announcement regarding the appointment of a non-resident ambassador to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. While Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent state since 1991, it lacks formal international recognition and is still legally considered part of Somalia by the U.N. and the African Union.

The signatory nations—which also include Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Palestine, Indonesia, Kuwait, Mauritania, Jordan, and Oman—reiterated their "categorical rejection" of any unilateral measures that bypass the federal government in Mogadishu. They reaffirmed their "firm and unwavering support" for Somalia’s legitimate state institutions as the sole representative of the Somali people.

Regional analysts suggest the move by Israel may complicate existing geopolitical tensions, particularly as Somalia continues to navigate complex security and constitutional challenges. The Mogadishu government has long maintained that any foreign diplomatic engagement with its federal member states or breakaway regions must be channeled through the central authority.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli Foreign Ministry or the Somaliland administration regarding the joint statement.

GAROWE ONLINE