Saudi Arabia and 21 other countries condemn Israeli official's visit to Somaliland
In a decisive diplomatic move reflecting the unity of the Islamic and Arab world on critical issues, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and 21 other countries, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, issued a strongly worded joint statement condemning the illegal visit of an Israeli official to the region of Somaliland on January 6, 2026. This collective stance reaffirms the categorical rejection of any infringement upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
broad diplomatic alliance
The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of key countries in the Islamic world, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Algeria, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, Palestine, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Maldives, and Somalia. In their statement, the ministers affirmed that this Israeli move constitutes a flagrant violation of international norms and the UN Charter, which recognizes the sovereignty and political independence of states.
Historical context and strategic importance
To understand the dimensions of this international stance, it's worth noting that Somaliland unilaterally declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. However, it has not received formal international recognition as a sovereign state, and the United Nations, the African Union, and the Arab League consider it an integral part of Somali territory. Israeli attempts to engage with the breakaway region are part of a broader effort to establish a foothold in the strategic Horn of Africa, which overlooks the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's most vital waterways for trade.
The dangers of separatist agendas
The joint statement warned against the dangers of encouraging separatist agendas in a region already suffering from security fragility, noting that such provocative visits threaten to inflame regional tensions and undermine stabilization efforts in the Horn of Africa. The ministers emphasized that respect for international law and non-interference in the internal affairs of states are fundamental pillars for maintaining international peace and security.
Supporting Somali legitimacy
The signatory states concluded their statement by commending the Somali Federal Government's restraint and its adherence to the diplomatic and legal path. The diplomatic alliance called on Israel to immediately cease these violations and rescind any recognition it has issued that undermines Somalia's unity, affirming their continued support for Mogadishu in all international forums to protect its national sovereignty against any external ambitions or attempts to partition the country.
