The Organization of Islamic Cooperation supports Somalia's sovereignty and rejects any infringement upon its unity

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) reiterated its unwavering support for the Federal Republic of Somalia, emphasizing the need to respect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. This statement definitively clarifies the OIC's position on recent developments in the Horn of Africa, underscoring the importance of adhering to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, which prohibit any infringement upon the national borders of member states.

Context of tensions in the Horn of Africa

This firm stance from the organization comes amid a tense regional context, stemming from the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. The Somali Federal Government considers this move a blatant violation of its sovereignty and an infringement upon its territorial integrity. Despite its unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, Somaliland lacks international recognition as an independent state and is considered an integral part of Somali territory under international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

Historical and legal dimensions

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) bases its statement on the historical and legal framework governing international relations, whereby respect for borders inherited at independence is a cornerstone of stability in Africa—a principle clearly adopted by the African Union. International organizations fear that any unilateral steps to alter political maps could ignite new conflicts in a region that has suffered for decades from civil wars and instability.

Expected regional and international impacts

This support from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation carries significant political implications, reflecting a broad Islamic and Arab consensus in support of Mogadishu. This stance is expected to influence:

• At the regional level: Strengthening Somalia’s diplomatic position in international forums, and pressuring other parties to reconsider any agreements that may harm the interests of neighboring countries or threaten Arab and African national security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait region.
• On the international level: This position is in line with the views of the major powers, the European Union and the Arab League, all of whom have affirmed their support for the unity of Somalia, thus reducing the chances of any separatist entity gaining international recognition and thwarting attempts to bypass the federal government in Mogadishu.

In conclusion, the organization called for prioritizing dialogue and good neighborliness, and avoiding any actions that would destabilize security and stability in this strategic region of the world, stressing its continued support for Somalia, government and people, in facing the current challenges.