By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 16 June 2026 – The Arab League on Tuesday condemned Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro’s visit to Israel, saying it violated Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Irro’s visit to Jerusalem and the inauguration of an embassy were “null and void” and carried no legal effect.
He described the move as an attempt to undermine the sovereignty of Somalia, in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.
Aboul Gheit also called on Somaliland’s authorities to reconsider their approach and avoid arrangements that he said served external interests rather than those of the Somali people.
He urged them to engage in dialogue with other Somali parties and uphold the national, social, historical and religious ties shared by Somalis.
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Arab League spokesperson Gamal Roshdy reaffirmed the organisation’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Roshdy said the League had previously considered Israeli engagement with Somaliland a threat to Arab national security and to stability in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa.
He added that the Arab League would continue seeking a unified Arab, African and international position in support of Somalia.
The statement followed Irro’s visit to Israel and Somaliland’s announcement that it had opened an embassy in Jerusalem.
Somalia’s federal government has rejected diplomatic engagement with Somaliland that bypasses Mogadishu maintaining that the region remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.