By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 13 August 2026 — Somalia on Wednesday condemned Colombia’s decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, saying the move has no legal validity and violates international law and the UN Charter.
Somalia’s Foreign Ministry said the Golan Heights are Syrian territory under occupation and called for the dispute between Israel and Syria to be resolved through dialogue and in accordance with UN resolutions.
The statement came as several other countries in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world rejected Colombia’s decision.
Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt and Djibouti condemned or rejected the move, saying Colombia’s decision cannot change the legal status of the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory. Turkey, Oman, Kuwait and Iraq also criticized the decision, saying it was contrary to international law and relevant UN resolutions.
How many countries recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights?
Colombia has become the second UN member state, after the United States, to formally recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
The United States recognized Israeli sovereignty over the territory in 2019, under then-President Donald Trump.
Colombia announced its recognition in August 2026.
The move has not changed the broader international position on the territory. The European Union has said it does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and has referred to relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Related articles
Explainer: What are the Golan Heights?
The Golan Heights are a mountainous area in southwestern Syria, overlooking northern Israel and parts of southern Syria.
Israel captured most of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war. In 1981, Israel passed legislation extending its laws, jurisdiction and administration to the territory, a move widely regarded internationally as an annexation.
The UN Security Council declared Israel’s 1981 decision “null and void” in Resolution 497 and said it had no international legal effect.
The Golan Heights are strategically important because of their elevated terrain, which gives the area military significance. The territory is also important for agriculture and water resources.
Syria continues to claim the Golan Heights, while Israel controls most of the territory.
The dispute over the Golan Heights has remained unresolved for decades and is closely linked to the broader Israeli-Syrian conflict.
Colombia’s decision has reopened debate over the international status of the territory, with Somalia and other countries arguing that its status should be determined in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.