More than 20 Muslim majority countries have strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. The joint rejection was announced on Sunday through a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign ministers said Israel’s recognition undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles protected under international law. They warned that recognising breakaway regions sets a dangerous precedent that could threaten peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, and beyond.
Israel announced on December 26 that it had formally recognised Somaliland, becoming the first country to do so. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition, according to an Israeli statement.
The joint response from Muslim countries included Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The ministers said the decision could fuel regional tensions and harm international peace and security. They also rejected any attempt to link Somaliland’s recognition with plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land.
Pakistan separately condemned Israel’s move a day earlier, reiterating full support for Somalia’s unity and firmly opposing any steps aimed at weakening its sovereignty. Islamabad also renewed its strong backing for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on pre 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, said Israel plans to begin immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas such as agriculture, health, technology and the economy. He described the agreement as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords and invited Somaliland’s president to visit Israel.
Somalia’s federal government sharply rejected Israel’s decision, calling it unlawful and a direct attack on the country’s sovereignty. Mogadishu said it would pursue diplomatic, political and legal measures to defend its internationally recognised borders.
Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti also raised concerns over what they described as dangerous developments in the region, while the African Union reaffirmed its unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and warned that recognising breakaway regions could destabilise the continent.
While Somaliland hopes Israel’s recognition will encourage other countries to follow, Somalia continues to rally international support to block any such moves, keeping the issue at the centre of regional and global diplomatic debate.
