By Asma Abdullahi - Reporter
Egypt, 21 May 2026 Egypt rejected Somaliland’s plans to open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, describing the move as a violation of international law and reaffirming its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
In a statement on Thursday, Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said any attempt to establish a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem by Somaliland would contravene international law and United Nations resolutions governing the status of the city.
The ministry stressed that East Jerusalem remains occupied Palestinian territory under international law and reiterated Egypt’s opposition to unilateral measures that seek to alter the legal and historical status of the city.
According to the statement, actions of this nature would have no legal effect and would not change Jerusalem’s internationally recognized status.
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Egypt also reiterated its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, rejecting any actions that could undermine the country’s unity.
The statement came after reports that Somaliland intends to open a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem and Israel plans to establish a diplomatic office in Hargeisa.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received international recognition. Somalia has repeatedly rejected any actions that it says undermine the country’s territorial integrity.
The developments have drawn reactions from several regional governments and organizations, with critics warning that any diplomatic engagement with Somaliland as a separate state could complicate efforts to maintain regional stability and respect internationally recognized borders.