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More than 20 countries have strongly condemned Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a dangerous step that could destabilize the Horn of Africa. The countries also criticized the visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Somaliland, urging Israel to immediately reverse its recognition.
In a joint statement released early Friday, the countries rejected Israel’s decision and reaffirmed their full support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and unity. They warned that encouraging separatist movements undermines international law and risks creating new tensions in a region already struggling with political instability, security challenges, and humanitarian concerns.
The statement was signed by Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, and Türkiye. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which represents a large number of Muslim-majority countries, also endorsed the statement, giving it significant diplomatic weight.
The signatories specifically condemned the visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Somaliland earlier this week. The visit came just days after Israel became the only country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia. The joint statement described the visit as an unacceptable endorsement of secession and warned that such actions could inflame tensions across the region.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. While it has maintained its own local administration and relative stability, it has never received international recognition as an independent state. Somalia’s federal government continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its internationally recognized territory, a position widely supported by the global community.
Somali authorities have described Israel’s recognition as a serious breach of international law and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. Officials in Mogadishu argue that recognizing Somaliland undermines the principles of state unity and territorial integrity that are central to international relations and regional stability in Africa.
During his visit, Saar announced that Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi had accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Israel. This announcement further heightened diplomatic tensions and fueled concerns among regional and international actors about Israel’s intentions in the Horn of Africa.
In response to growing speculation, Somaliland officials denied claims that Israel’s recognition would lead to the establishment of Israeli military bases in the region or be used to facilitate the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. These denials came amid controversy over statements by Israeli officials advocating what they describe as voluntary Palestinian migration from Gaza, a proposal that has faced widespread rejection from Arab states and international organizations.
The joint condemnation adds to increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel, as several major international bodies have reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity. The African Union, the Arab League, and the United Nations have all reiterated that Somalia’s borders are internationally recognized and should be respected.
Somali officials say the wide range of countries opposing Israel’s move demonstrates a strong international consensus. They believe the unified response strengthens Somalia’s position as it works to prevent any actions that could legitimize Somaliland’s secession or set a precedent for redrawing borders in the Horn of Africa. Mogadishu has vowed to continue engaging diplomatically with regional and global partners to safeguard Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.