MOGADISHU — A group of twelve Muslim-majority countries has strongly condemned Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic representative to Somaliland, describing the move as a serious breach of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
In a joint statement issued on April 18 in Islamabad, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Turkey, Indonesia, and Kuwait said the decision represents what they termed a “flagrant violation” of the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The ministers emphasized that Somalia remains a unified and sovereign state under international law, and stressed that its federal government in Mogadishu is the only legitimate authority recognized to conduct foreign relations on behalf of the Somali people.
The statement rejected what it described as unilateral diplomatic actions that bypass Somalia’s federal government and undermine its internationally recognized territorial integrity. It further warned that any attempts to establish or normalize diplomatic relations with Somaliland without Somalia’s consent risk weakening the principle of state sovereignty and could contribute to increased instability in the Horn of Africa region.
The ministers reaffirmed their collective support for Somalia’s unity, political independence, and internationally recognized institutions, urging all states to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and avoid actions that could be interpreted as legitimizing secessionist authorities.
According to the statement, Israel’s decision is viewed as inconsistent with international legal norms, including principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, both of which emphasize respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states.
The ministers also cautioned that such diplomatic steps could establish a precedent that may have wider implications beyond Somalia, potentially encouraging similar contested diplomatic engagements in other fragile regions. They warned that this development could escalate political tensions in an already volatile region and undermine ongoing efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
The condemnation follows reports that Israel has appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland, according to Israel’s public broadcaster. Lotem previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, bringing extensive diplomatic experience in East Africa.
The move comes after reports that Israel formally recognized Somaliland in December, becoming the first country to do so and ending decades of diplomatic isolation for the self-declared republic.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, but it has not received broad international recognition. The Federal Government of Somalia continues to reject Somaliland’s claim of independence, maintaining that the region is an integral part of Somalia’s sovereign territory.
