Why Over 20 Countries Oppose Israel’s Visit to Somaliland

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Cairo: Foreign ministers from a broad group of Arab, African and Islamic countries, together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have issued a joint statement strongly condemning the visit by an Israeli official to the “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on 6 January 2026. The ministers recalled their earlier statement of 27 December 2025, rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the visit as illegal and a violation of international law.

The statement was issued by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Djibouti, the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the State of Libya, the Republic of Maldives, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Palestine, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Republic of Yemen, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The ministers stated that the visit constitutes a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermines established international norms and the principles of the United Nations Charter. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, warning that encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and risks exacerbating instability in an already fragile region.

The statement emphasized the importance of respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms as essential foundations for regional and international stability. The ministers also commended Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement and constructive diplomacy, expressed their continued support for diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia, and called on Israel to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity and to immediately revoke its recognition of the Somaliland region.