Pakistan, OIC, others condemn Israeli official’s visit to Somaliland

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, along with more than two dozen countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, has strongly condemned the recent visit by an Israeli official to the “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia, terming it illegal and a violation of international law.

The condemnation came two days after the Israeli foreign minister visited the self-declared Somaliland region in a high-profile move that Somalia described as an “unauthorised incursion”.

Israel last month announced its decision to officially recognise Somaliland, becoming the first country to do so since the region declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Somaliland occupies a strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and has its own currency, passport and armed forces, but has failed to secure international recognition amid concerns over Somalia’s territorial integrity and fears of encouraging separatist movements elsewhere in Africa.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye and Yemen, along with the OIC, recalled their declaration of December 27, 2025, which rejected Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” region.

The ministers strongly condemned the Israeli official’s visit to the region on January 6, 2026, stating that it constituted a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermined established principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Reaffirming their unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the ministers stressed that promoting secessionist agendas was unacceptable and risked further destabilising an already fragile region.

The statement emphasised that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and adherence to diplomatic norms were essential for maintaining regional and international stability.

The ministers also commended Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and compliance with international law, and pledged continued support for diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty and stability.

They further urged Israel to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, fulfil its international obligations and immediately revoke its recognition of the “Somaliland” region.