Pakistan, 11 other Muslim nations reject Israel’s diplomatic appointment in ‘so-called Somaliland’

• Joint statement backs Somalia’s sovereignty, terming action violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and international law

• FMs reaffirm support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, warning against dangerous precedent in Horn of Africa stability

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, along with 11 other countries, has strongly condemned Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic representative to the “so-called Somaliland,” terming it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a serious threat to regional stability.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye and other Muslim-majority countries reaffirmed their unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, rejecting unilateral actions that undermine internationally recognised state sovereignty.

🔊PR No.1️⃣0️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Joint Statement on Israel’s announcement of the appointment of a diplomatic representative to the so-called “Somaliland”

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hAZ7sCmxk9

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 18, 2026

“Such actions constitute a blatant violation of the principles of international law, the United Nation’s Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and set a dangerous precedent that risks undermining stability in the Horn of Africa, which reflects negatively on regional peace and security as a whole,” the ministers said.

The move comes after Israel last year decided to recognise Somaliland, a self-declared region that seceded from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognised by any United Nations member state.

Israel’s recent appointment of a diplomatic representative to Somaliland earlier this week was described by the signatories as a “flagrant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty, stressing that Somalia’s internationally recognised government remains the sole legitimate authority representing its people.

Separately, international media reports last year in March said Israel and the United States had engaged with several East African states, including Somaliland, regarding the possible relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.

The outreach took place amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Palestinian enclave, which has drawn widespread international criticism, with some observers describing it as genocide amid growing scrutiny of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Pakistan reiterated its firm position in December 2025, rejecting any attempts aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians, and reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Somalia has also rejected Israel’s stance, while the African Union has consistently opposed unilateral recognition of secessionist regions across the continent.