Muslim Nations, OIC Reject Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

Foreign ministers from over 20 countries, alongside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have jointly condemned Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia, describing the move as a dangerous violation of international law with far-reaching implications for regional and global security.

In a joint statement issued following Israel’s announcement on December 26, 2025, the ministers said the decision posed “serious repercussions on peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea,” warning that it also threatens international peace and security as a whole.

“The ministers underscored their unequivocal rejection of Israel’s recognition of the ‘Somaliland’ region of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the statement read, adding that the move reflects “Israel’s full and blatant disregard for international law.”

The foreign ministers, representing countries including Nigeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Algeria and Jordan, condemned the recognition “in the strongest terms,” describing it as a grave violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

According to the statement, the action “explicitly violates the imperative of protecting the sovereignty of states and their territorial integrity,” and was said to reflect “Israel’s expansionist” posture in international affairs.

The group reaffirmed its full and unwavering support for Somalia, stressing its “sovereignty over its entire territory” and rejecting any measures that undermine the country’s unity or territorial integrity. They emphasized that Somalia remains a single, indivisible state under international law.

“The recognition of parts of states constitutes a serious precedent and threatens international peace and security,” the ministers warned, noting that such actions undermine the foundational principles of the UN Charter.

The joint statement also firmly rejected any attempt to link the recognition of Somaliland to broader geopolitical objectives, particularly concerning Palestine. The ministers stated their “full rejection of any potential link” between the move and “any attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people from their land.”

Such actions, the statement concluded, are “unequivocally rejected in any form as a matter of principle,” reaffirming long-standing international positions on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rights of peoples under international law.