Twenty-two Islamic countries together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned what they called the “illegal visit” of the Israeli foreign minister to the Somaliland region in Somalia, stressing that it violated Somalia’s sovereignty and international law, reports Anadolu.
In a joint statement, the OIC and the ministries of foreign affairs of the signatory states emphasized that the visit of the Israeli minister Gideon Saar on January 6, 2026 represents a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, violates international norms and the Charter of the United Nations.
The signatories reiterated their unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and warned that encouraging separatist tendencies is unacceptable and could increase tensions in an already volatile region.
On December 26, 2025, Israel officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state, making it the only country to do so, drawing widespread criticism in the region. The joint statement calls on Tel Aviv to withdraw its recognition and respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity.
Signatories include the foreign ministries of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey and Yemen, as well as the OIC.
(Vijesti.ba)
