Amanze Chinonye
A coalition of foreign ministers from more than 20 countries, alongside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has strongly condemned a recent visit by an Israeli official to the self-declared “Somaliland” region of Somalia, describing it as illegal and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the ministers recalled their earlier declaration of December 27, 2025, in which they rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a region internationally recognised as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The signatories including Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Nigeria, Qatar, and others expressed “strong condemnation” of the visit, which reportedly took place on January 6, 2026.
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According to the statement, the visit constitutes “a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia” and undermines established international norms as well as the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
The ministers reaffirmed their “unwavering support” for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, stressing that any actions encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk worsening tensions in an already fragile region.
They further emphasized that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for maintaining regional and global stability.
The diplomatic fallout follows Israel’s decision on December 26, 2025, to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, making it the first United Nations member to do so.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government, but despite operating its own administration for more than three decades, it has not been recognised by the United Nations, the African Union or any major international body.
Israel’s recognition marked a sharp departure from long-standing international consensus that upholds Somalia’s territorial integrity. The move was followed by the January 6 visit by Foreign Minister Sa’ar to Somaliland’s capital, which Israeli officials described as a step towards establishing formal diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation in the strategically important Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridor.
Somalia’s Federal Government swiftly condemned both the recognition and the visit, describing them as an unauthorised incursion and a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
Mogadishu maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia under international law, a position consistently supported by the African Union, the United Nations and the OIC.
Commending Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement and constructive diplomacy, the group pledged continued support for diplomatic and legal measures being pursued by the Somali government to safeguard its sovereignty and stability in line with international law.
The joint statement concluded with a direct call on Israel to fully respect Somalia’s national unity and territorial integrity, honour its obligations under international law, and “immediately revoke” its recognition of Somaliland.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognised as a sovereign state by the United Nations or the African Union.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
