By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Saudi Arabia, 11 January 2025 The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, speaking on Saturday at the emergency meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), accused Israel of taking "a dangerous and illegal step" by recognizing Somaliland.
The Minister stated that the decision has no legal basis and violates the unity and borders of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
He clarified that the regions known as Somaliland are part of Somalia, adding that the recognition contradicts UN principles and OIC value, which include protecting the unity and sovereignty of member states.
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The Minister said that Israel's actions jeopardize the stability of the Horn of Africa region, the security of the Red Sea, and international counter-terrorism operations. He stressed that anything that contradicts the Somali constitution, such as the presence of foreign troops or agreements entered into with administrations that lack sovereignty, is illegal.
Ali called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to clearly and unitedly defend the unity, sovereignty, and borders of Somalia, while preventing future illegal actions.
Commenting on the Middle East crisis, the Minister reiterated support for the Palestinians emphasizing that the government will not accept Somali territory to be used for attacks against neighbouring countries.
