ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and a group of Muslim-majority countries, along with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on Thursday strongly condemned the “illegal” visit of an Israeli official to the “Somaliland” region of Somalia, calling it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On January 6, Israel’s foreign minister visited the Somaliland region of Somalia after it controversially recognised the region as an independent country.
In a joint statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign ministers of more than two dozen countries said the “illegal” visit of the Israeli official on January 6 undermined international law, the United Nations Charter and established diplomatic norms.
The joint statement was issued by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye, Yemen, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Recalling an earlier statement issued on December 27 rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, the Muslim nations reaffirmed their unwavering support for the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia.
The foreign ministers warned against encouraging secessionist agendas in a fragile region, and urged Israel to immediately revoke its recognition of the “Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia” and fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty under international law.
“Encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region,” the joint statement underlined.
The foreign ministers stated that the Israeli official’s visit constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, and undermines established international norms and the United Nations Charter.
🔊PR No.1️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Joint Statement on the Illegal Visit of the Israeli Official to Somaliland Region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on January 6,2026 https://t.co/7YD2rUnNeP
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WpY4tJJJH4— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 8, 2026
Muslim countries reaffirmed their “unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the joint statement read.
The foreign ministers emphasised that respect for international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for regional and international stability.
They commended Somalia’s commitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and adherence to international law.
Muslim countries expressed their “commitment to continuing to support diplomatic and legal measures taken by Somalia to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability in line with international law.”
The foreign ministers stress that Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity and honour its obligations in compliance with international law, and demand immediate revocation of the recognition issued by Israel.
