Muslim nations condemn reported Somaliland plan to open embassy in occupied Jerusalem

NEW YORK — Foreign ministers from more than a dozen Muslim-majority countries have condemned a reported plan by Somaliland to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, describing the move as illegal and a violation of international law and U.N. resolutions.

In a joint statement issued Sunday, the ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Indonesia, Djibouti, Somalia, Palestine, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, and Mauritania said the reported move was “illegal and unacceptable.”

The ministers reaffirmed that East Jerusalem is occupied Palestinian territory under international law and reiterated support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

They also rejected what they described as unilateral actions that could undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and stability.

The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa over reports that Somaliland is seeking closer ties with Israel.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been internationally recognized. Neither Somaliland authorities nor Israeli officials immediately commented on the statement.

GAROWE ONLINE