Kigali, Rwanda – Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent country has triggered strong diplomatic backlash across Africa, the Middle East and the wider Muslim world, with a broad coalition of states issuing a joint statement rejecting the move and warning of serious regional and global consequences.
The coordinated response reflects deep concern that the recognition of a breakaway region of the Federal Republic of Somalia could destabilize the Horn of Africa and undermine the foundations of international law.
In their statement, the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Djibouti, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Somalia and several other countries, together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, expressed unequivocal opposition to Israel’s announcement made on December 26, 2025.
They described the decision as unprecedented and irresponsible, arguing that it threatens peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, a corridor of major strategic and economic importance to the world.
The ministers emphasized that recognizing Somaliland violates the United Nations Charter, which obliges all states to respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of fellow UN members.
They argued that Somalia’s internationally recognized borders remain inviolable, regardless of Somaliland’s long-standing self-administration since 1991. The joint declaration further warned that such actions create a dangerous precedent in international relations.
According to the statement, unilateral recognition of a region within a sovereign state amounts to a grave breach of international legal principles and weakens the rules-based global order.
The recognition of parts of existing states, the ministers said, risks encouraging separatist movements elsewhere and fueling instability in regions already facing political fragility and conflict.
In the context of the Horn of Africa, they cautioned that the move could inflame tensions, complicate regional cooperation and undermine efforts to support Somalia’s recovery after decades of insecurity.
Reaffirming their position, the signatories declared full support for the Federal Republic of Somalia and rejected any measures that compromise its unity or sovereignty over its entire territory.
They stressed that Somalia’s territorial integrity is a matter of principle under international law and must not be subjected to external political calculations or strategic bargaining.
The statement also addressed broader geopolitical implications, explicitly rejecting any attempt to link the recognition of Somaliland to other regional agendas.
In particular, the ministers dismissed any notion that such a move could be connected to efforts to forcibly displace the Palestinian people from their land.
They reaffirmed that forced displacement is unacceptable in all forms and constitutes a violation of international law and fundamental human rights.
The statement underscored that peace and stability depend on respect for sovereignty, lawful conduct among states and collective adherence to the principles of the United Nations, warning that deviation from these foundations threatens international peace and security as a whole.
They called for restraint, dialogue and multilateral engagement to prevent escalation and urged the international community to uphold legality, stability and cooperation across sensitive regions worldwide.
