Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and 21 other countries, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have issued a joint condemnation of what they described as an illegal visit by an Israeli official to Somaliland, the self-declared breakaway region of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
In a coordinated statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, Yemen, as well as the OIC, denounced the visit, which took place on January 6, as a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ministers said the visit constituted a breach of established principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, reaffirming their unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. They stressed that encouraging separatist agendas is unacceptable and poses serious risks of escalating tensions in an already fragile region.
The statement warned that any actions undermining Somalia’s unity threaten regional stability in the Horn of Africa, a strategically sensitive area with direct implications for international security and global maritime trade. The ministers emphasized that legitimizing or engaging with separatist entities contradicts long-standing international norms and could set a dangerous precedent.
The signatories also underscored the importance of respecting international law, adhering to diplomatic norms, and refraining from interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states as essential foundations for regional and global stability. They praised Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy, and compliance with international legal obligations.
Furthermore, the ministers expressed their commitment to continuing diplomatic and legal support for measures taken by the Federal Republic of Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and internal stability, in line with international law.
The statement concluded with a direct call on Israel to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty and national unity, honor its obligations under international law, and immediately withdraw its recognition of Somaliland. The coordinated response reflects growing regional and international concern over moves perceived as legitimizing separatist entities and exacerbating geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Joint Statement on the illegal visit of the Israeli official to “Somaliland” Region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on 6 January 2026
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Union of the Comoros, the Republic of Djibouti, the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the State of Libya, the Republic of Maldives, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the State of Palestine, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the Republic of Türkiye, the Republic of Yemen, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation;
Recalling the earlier statement of 27 December 2025, by the Foreign Ministers rejecting Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” Region of the Federal Republic of Somalia;
Express their strong condemnation of the recent illegal visit by the Israeli official to
“Somaliland” Region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on 6 January 2026.
State that the said visit constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and undermines established international norms and United Nations Charter.
Reaffirm their unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Underline that encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region.
Emphasize that respect for international law, non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for regional and international stability.
Commend the Federal Republic of Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and adherence to international law.
Express their commitment in continuing to support diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability in line with international law.
Stress that Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity and honor its obligations in compliance with international law, and demand immediate revocation of the recognition issued by Israel.
