By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 9 January 2026 A group of Arab and Islamic states, alongside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), issued a joint statement strongly condemning what they described as an “illegal visit by Israeli official to the Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on 6 January 2026,” considering it a flagrant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
The statement was issued in the name of the foreign ministers of the Kingdom of Jordan, 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 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 Sudan, the Republic of Türkiye, and the Republic of Yemen.
The ministers recalled an earlier statement issued on 27 December 2025 that rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, stressing that the recent visit by Israeli Foreign Minister; Gideon Saar, represents a clear breach of established international norms and the United Nations Charter, and undermines the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
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The statement reaffirmed support for the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, its national unity, and territorial integrity, warning that encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and carries the risk of exacerbating tensions in a region described as fragile. It emphasized that respect for international law and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential to achieving regional and international stability.
The ministers also commended Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy, and compliance with international law, renewing their pledge to continue supporting the diplomatic and legal measures undertaken by the Somali government to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with international law.
The signatories called on Israel to respect the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, to fulfill its obligations under international law, and to immediately withdraw its recognition.
