Saudi Arabia and 21 other countries condemn Israeli official's visit to Somaliland
In a firm diplomatic stance reflecting a shared Arab and Islamic commitment to the region's issues, Saudi Arabia spearheaded a broad initiative, joined by 21 countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to condemn the visit of an Israeli official to Somaliland. The joint statement described the visit as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and an attempt to undermine its territorial integrity at a time when the Horn of Africa is facing sensitive geopolitical challenges.
Details of the joint statement and signatory countries
The foreign ministers of a broad group of countries, including Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Djibouti, Comoros, Bangladesh, Gambia, Maldives, and Somalia, issued a strongly worded statement. This move came in response to the illegal visit of January 6, 2026, which the signatory states considered a violation of established diplomatic norms and a breach of international law, which mandates dealings with the central governments of sovereign states.
Reject separatist agendas and protect regional stability
The statement issued by the assembled nations affirmed their categorical rejection of any attempts to encourage separatist tendencies within independent states. This stance stems from a profound understanding of the dangers such movements pose in the Horn of Africa, a vital artery for international navigation and of paramount strategic importance. The ministers noted that direct engagement with separatist entities like Somaliland, without consulting the federal government in Mogadishu, not only threatens Somalia's unity but also risks exacerbating tensions in an already unstable region.
The political context and the importance of Somali sovereignty
This condemnation gains significance from the historical and political context of Somalia, where the federal government is striving to assert its sovereignty and rebuild state institutions after decades of challenges. The region of Somaliland is considered an integral part of Somali territory under international law and the charters of the United Nations and the African Union, despite its unilateral declaration of independence in the early 1990s without international recognition.
Observers believe this broad diplomatic consensus, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, sends a clear message to the international community about the need to respect the sovereignty of nations and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs. The statement also reflects the commitment of Islamic and Arab states to supporting Somalia in international forums and backing its right to take all legal and diplomatic measures to protect its borders and the unity of its people.
A call to abide by international law
The ministers concluded their statement by demanding that Israel fully respect Somalia's sovereignty and national unity, and fulfill its obligations under international law, calling for the immediate reversal of any recognition or diplomatic steps that infringe upon Somalia's territorial integrity. This collective stance constitutes a diplomatic bulwark against any future attempts to circumvent international law in dealing with the Somali issue.
