By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Egypt, 20 May 2026 The Arab League on Tuesday warned of what it described as the “serious consequences” of growing Israeli influence in the Horn of Africa, following reports that Somaliland planned to open a representative office in Jerusalem.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned the reported move by Somaliland, the self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia, calling it legally invalid and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement, Aboul Gheit described the move as “rejected and legally void in all respects,” adding that it represented “an unacceptable provocation to the Arab and Islamic worlds.”
The secretary-general’s spokesperson, Gamal Roshdy, said the reported rapprochement reflected what he described as Israel’s attempts to seek recognition from entities “that lack legal legitimacy.”
Roshdy said such efforts were aimed at supporting Israel’s policies in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, while also expanding Israeli influence in the Horn of Africa.
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He warned that any attempts to establish relations with entities not recognized under international law would undermine Somalia’s unity and violate principles upheld by the Arab League, African Union and United Nations.
“These moves aimed at penetrating the Horn of Africa threaten to deepen tensions and instability in the region,” Roshdy said.
The Arab League reiterated its support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia and rejected what it described as attempts to promote separatism or establish illegitimate relations with unrecognized entities.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained international recognition, despite maintaining its own government and security institutions.