By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 19 April 2026 Somalia’s foreign ministry welcomed 17 nations condemning Israel's appointment of a non-resident envoy to Somaliland.
The ministry said the coordinated position reflects growing international backing for its stance against any actions that challenge its territorial integrity.
On Saturday, foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Palestine, Türkiye, Indonesia, Pakistan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon and Yemen expressed their “strongest condemnation” of Israel's decision..
In a joint statement, the ministers said the appointment constituted a “flagrant violation” of Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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They reaffirmed their rejection of unilateral actions that undermine the sovereignty of states and voiced support for Somalia’s government as the sole representative of its people.
The statement said such actions violate international law, including the United Nations Charter and the African Union’s founding principles.
It warned that the move sets a “dangerous precedent” that could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and negatively affect regional peace and security.
Israel recently announced the appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland, a move that has drawn criticism from Mogadishu and several regional partners.