ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan has joined 20 other countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in strongly rejecting Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, calling the move a blatant violation of international law.
In a joint statement, the participating nations said Israel’s action reflected complete disregard for international legal principles and threatened peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region and beyond. The statement also rejected any possible connection between the recognition of Somaliland and attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land.
The joint declaration was issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye, Yemen, along with the OIC.
Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state on Friday. Somaliland’s president later announced his intention to join the Abraham Accords. Somaliland has operated as a self-governing region since 1991 but has not been recognised by the international community.
The joint statement said recognising parts of an existing state sets a dangerous precedent, undermines state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and violates the United Nations Charter. The countries reaffirmed full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, rejecting any measures that weaken its territorial integrity.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated that Israel’s decision was an attempt to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and urged the international community to reject such actions and prevent further destabilisation of the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a telephone call with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Somalia and pledged to raise the issue at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.
Somalia has described Israel’s move as a direct attack on its sovereignty, while the African Union warned it could create a dangerous precedent for peace and stability across Africa. The United States has indicated it does not plan to recognise Somaliland.
