ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH — A coalition of Muslim-majority countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned an Israeli official’s visit to the self-declared “Somaliland” region, describing it as illegal and a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, January 9, 2026, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Yemen, alongside the OIC, denounced the January 6, 2026 visit by an Israeli official to the region.
The ministers recalled their December 27, 2025 statement rejecting Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia, reiterating that the move contravenes international law and the United Nations Charter.
They said the visit undermines Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while encouraging secessionist agendas that could exacerbate instability in an already fragile region.
The statement reaffirmed the bloc’s unwavering support for Somalia as a unified and sovereign state, stressing that respect for international law, non-interference in internal affairs, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for regional and global stability.
The ministers also praised Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement and constructive diplomacy, pledging continued diplomatic and legal backing to protect its sovereignty in line with international law.
In a clear diplomatic rebuke, the joint statement urged Israel to fully respect Somalia’s national unity and territorial integrity, and demanded the immediate revocation of Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” region.
The coordinated response underscores mounting opposition within the Islamic world to actions seen as legitimizing separatism and setting precedents that challenge internationally recognized state borders. (AT Network)
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