ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other Islamic nations in rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling the move a violation of international law and Somalia’s sovereignty.
Israel announced this week that it had recognized Somaliland, a self-declared region that broke away from Somalia in 1991. No United Nations member state had previously recognized the territory. The decision drew sharp criticism from Somalia and regional bodies.
Joint OIC Condemnation
In a joint statement shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the foreign ministers of 21 Islamic countries, along with the OIC, condemned Israel’s move. Signatories included Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Türkiye, Iran, Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Palestine.
The statement described Israel’s recognition as a “grave violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.” It warned that the decision could destabilize the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, with wider implications for international peace and security.
The ministers said the move reflects Israel’s disregard for international law and rejected any action that undermines Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
They also dismissed reports suggesting any link between Somaliland’s recognition and alleged plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to third countries. The statement said such proposals are unacceptable in principle.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Somalia
Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a separate statement a day earlier. It strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Somalia’s government has also rejected Israel’s decision, calling it a violation of its national sovereignty. The African Union has long opposed unilateral recognition of breakaway regions in Africa.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel recognized Somaliland “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” referring to US-brokered agreements between Israel and several Arab states.
