JEDDAH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has sharply criticised Israel over its decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
The condemnation was issued through a resolution adopted at the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Jeddah at Somalia’s request. The meeting focused on what the bloc described as Israel’s unlawful actions and their implications for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
In its statement, the OIC rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, stressing that it undermines the sovereignty, national unity and internationally recognised borders of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The organisation reaffirmed its full support for Somalia and expressed unwavering solidarity with the Somali government.
During the same session, the OIC also adopted a separate resolution addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It reiterated that any fair and lasting peace in the Middle East must be based on Israel’s full withdrawal from all Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 and the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The resolution further called for the preservation of the ceasefire, an end to Israeli military actions against Palestinians, and progress toward the second phase of the ceasefire agreement outlined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Meanwhile, Somaliland has rejected claims that it intends to host Palestinians or allow an Israeli military presence in exchange for diplomatic recognition. The self-declared republic dismissed allegations made by Somalia’s president that such arrangements were part of a deal with Israel.
Israel last week became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state,” a move that sparked demonstrations across Somalia. On Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told Al Jazeera, citing intelligence assessments, that Somaliland had agreed to three conditions set by Israel: accepting resettled Palestinians, permitting the establishment of an Israeli military base along the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords to normalise relations with Israel.
Somaliland’s foreign ministry denied the first two allegations, insisting that no agreement exists to resettle Palestinians or host foreign military bases on its territory.
