Pakistan joined more than 24 other countries, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to condemn a recent visit by an Israeli official to the “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia, declaring it illegal and a violation of international law.
Islamabad officially recognized Somaliland as a sovereign nation last month, becoming the first country to do so since the region declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The region has since developed its own currency, passport and army, but has struggled to win international recognition, as states don’t wish to provoke Somalia or encourage other separatist movements in Africa.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the foreign ministers of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye and Yemen, as well as the OIC, recalled their earlier declaration of Dec. 27, 2025, which had rejected Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” region.
The ministers expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli official’s visit to the region on Jan. 6, saying the move constituted a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and undermined established international norms and the United Nations Charter.
Reaffirming their unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the ministers underlined that encouraging secessionist agendas was unacceptable and risked exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region.
The statement also emphasized that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and adherence to diplomatic norms were essential for regional and international stability. It further commended Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and adherence to international law.
The ministers expressed their commitment to continue supporting diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability in line with international law. They stressed on the need for Israel to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, honor its international obligations, and immediately revoke its recognition of the “Somaliland” region.