OIC and 22 Muslim Nations Condemn Israel's Somaliland Visit

Twenty-two Muslim-majority nations, along with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, have issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s foreign minister for visiting Somalia’s self-declared breakaway region of Somaliland, calling the trip unlawful and a violation of international law.

In a joint declaration, the OIC and the foreign ministries of the participating countries described the January 6, 2026 visit by Israel’s top diplomat to Somaliland as illegal, stressing that it infringes upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Somalia.

The statement said the visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar directly contravenes international norms and the principles of the United Nations Charter. It warned that such actions undermine Somalia’s unity and risk destabilising an already sensitive region.

Reiterating their firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognised borders, the signatories cautioned against any moves that encourage separatist ambitions. They emphasised that backing secessionist agendas is unacceptable and could further inflame regional tensions.

The joint statement underscored the importance of respecting international law, avoiding interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and upholding established diplomatic standards to maintain both regional and global stability.

The OIC and the supporting countries also commended Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu for its commitment to peaceful diplomacy and adherence to international legal frameworks. They pledged continued political and legal support for Somalia’s efforts to protect its territorial integrity and national stability.

The condemnation follows Israel’s announcement on December 26 that it had formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, making Israel the first and only country to do so. That decision drew widespread criticism, with several nations warning it could threaten international peace and security.

Calling on Israel to reverse its stance, the statement urged Tel Aviv to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty and unity and to withdraw its recognition of Somaliland in accordance with international law.

Somaliland has operated as a de facto autonomous political and security entity since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has not received official international recognition as a sovereign state.

The declaration was jointly endorsed by the foreign ministries of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, the Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, and Yemen, alongside the OIC.