OIC Condemns Somaliland’s Jerusalem Embassy Plan

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s General Secretariat has condemned the plan by the breakaway northwestern region of Somalia to establish an embassy in Jerusalem, reflecting growing concern over ties between the Israeli government and the secessionist territory. In a press statement released on Wednesday, the General Secretariat voiced serious concern and strong opposition to media reports about the region’s intention to open a diplomatic mission in occupied Jerusalem.

The OIC denounced the action as a “clear defiance of the international community’s will” and a “serious breach of the United Nations Charter and relevant resolutions.” The statement described this move as part of “Israel’s futile and unlawful efforts to gain recognition from illegitimate and unrecognized entities, including the Somaliland region, to strengthen its illegitimate claims over the occupied city of Jerusalem, blatantly violating international law principles.”

OIC Affirms No Israeli Sovereignty Over East Jerusalem

The OIC affirmed that “Israel, as the occupying power, possesses no sovereignty over East Jerusalem al-Quds, the capital of Palestine, and any attempts to change its political, demographic, or geographical status are invalid under international law.” The organization reiterated its “complete and unwavering solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia, and its steadfast support for Somalia’s national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regional security.”

The statement urged all nations to “condemn and oppose this unlawful action and reject any attempts to grant legal recognition to an unrecognized separatist entity, and to force the Israeli occupation to comply with international legitimacy resolutions.” The OIC’s condemnation follows similar statements from the Arab League, which has consistently rejected any official or quasi-official engagement with entities operating outside the Somali Federal Government’s authority.

Growing International Opposition To Secessionist Diplomatic Moves

The northwestern region of Somalia, which unilaterally declared independence in 1991, has persistently sought international recognition. Israel became the first country to formally recognize the breakaway region as a sovereign state in December 2025, a move that prompted widespread condemnation from the international community. The Arab League previously rejected Israeli interference in Somalia’s sovereignty, calling any diplomatic engagement with the secessionist region a violation of international law.

The Federal Government of Somalia has welcomed the OIC’s latest position. Mogadishu has strongly condemned Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic representative to the northwestern region, describing the move as a direct violation of the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Somali officials have been actively lobbying regional and international bodies to reject any recognition of the breakaway region.

Egypt, Arab League, And African Union Echo Condemnation

Egypt has strongly condemned what it called the “illegal and unacceptable step” by the northwestern region regarding diplomatic moves tied to Israel. Cairo reaffirmed its full solidarity with Somalia in preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region and the subsequent appointment of a diplomatic envoy as a “flagrant violation” of international law.

The African Union has also expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa linked to Israel-secessionist engagement. The African Union strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral recognition of Somaliland and called for its immediate revocation, reaffirming that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.

Somalia Intensifies Diplomatic Countermeasures

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has outlined a comprehensive set of political and legal actions designed to counter what he terms Israel’s “illegal” recognition of the secessionist administration. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Mohamud accused Israel of pursuing objectives beyond mere political recognition, claiming it intends to establish a strategic military presence in the region.

The Somali president has repeatedly urged the breakaway region’s leadership to terminate their recent ties with Israel and reintegrate with the nation, expressing willingness to make substantial concessions for unity while firmly rejecting any international recognition of the region as an independent entity. Speaking in Las Anod, Mohamud appealed to authorities in Hargeisa to return to the fold, emphasizing that secession is non-negotiable.

As the OIC’s condemnation adds to growing international pressure, the Federal Republic of Somalia continues to urge all nations to respect the unity and territorial integrity of the country as enshrined in the African Union and United Nations charters. The government has vowed to pursue all available legal and political avenues to counter what it describes as illegitimate efforts to fragment Somali sovereignty.