JEDDEH (MNN); The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has termed Israel’s move regarding Somaliland a violation of international law, as the Muslim bloc convened an emergency meeting to address the issue.
The extraordinary session of OIC foreign ministers on the Somaliland dispute was held in Saudi Arabia and attended by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Addressing the meeting, the OIC Secretary General reaffirmed the organisation’s firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that any action undermining internationally recognised borders is unacceptable.
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim also rejected all attempts to harm Somalia’s sovereignty, saying the Somali government could help unite regional countries through dialogue. He further underscored the importance of moving towards the second phase of a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Palestinian foreign minister said Palestine fully supports Somalia’s borders as recognised by the United Nations and described Israel’s reported move to recognise Somaliland as a clear breach of international law.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali said both the government and people of Somalia were closely watching the outcome of the OIC meeting, following what he described as an Israeli violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Speaking at the session in Jeddah, Abdisalam stressed that the unity of Islamic nations must not be compromised. He said Somalia was looking towards OIC member states for a principled and united decision, adding that the national unity of Islamic countries was sacred and inviolable.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Farseen Ajaabikiyaan reiterated his country’s full support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, stating that Palestine strongly rejects Israel’s actions against OIC member states.
The OIC, comprising 57 Muslim-majority countries, convened the emergency session to discuss the dispute and consider possible collective responses.
Somalia’s foreign minister further stated that Somali land would not be allowed for use by any country, adding that any breach of Somalia’s borders constituted a direct violation of its sovereignty. He said the so-called Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Addressing the meeting, the Turkish representative also rejected Israel’s move, calling it unacceptable and reaffirming Türkiye’s unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
