ISTANBUL, April 18 — The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab League strongly condemned Israel’s announcement to assign a diplomatic representative to the self-declared Somaliland region in northwestern Somalia Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
In a statement shared on X, the OIC described the move as “a violation of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” referring to Israel as the “occupying power.”
The organisation reaffirmed its full support for Somalia and its internationally recognised government, stressing its commitment to the country’s unity and legitimate institutions.
The OIC reiterated its solidarity with Somalia and called for upholding international legal norms in addressing issues related to diplomatic representation and territorial status.
Meanwhile, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported Arab League, in a statement said the move is invalid and illegal, calling it a serious escalation and a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity, as well as international law and the United Nation (UN) Charter.
The League reaffirmed its firm position, citing a previous council meeting that rejected any recognition or dealings with the region outside Somalia’s sovereignty.
It warned that such actions pose a direct threat to Arab national security and stability in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Horn of Africa, and could impact international navigation and trade.
In December 2025, Israel announced mutual recognition with Somaliland, a move strongly rejected by the Somali government and criticised by many countries across the world.
On Wednesday, Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland.
Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political and security entity, with the central government unable to assert control over the region and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.
The Somali government refuses to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, considers it an integral part of its territory and views any direct deals or engagement with it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and unity.
