Joint declaration rejects actions following Israel’s recognition of breakaway region in Horn of Africa
The Chenab Times has learned that foreign ministers from more than 20 countries, including Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, and Yemen, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, have issued a joint statement strongly condemning an Israeli official’s visit to the Somaliland region on January 6, 2026.
The statement describes the visit as a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa on the Gulf of Aden. It further asserts that such actions undermine established international norms and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The signatories recalled their previous declaration on December 27, 2025, which rejected Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent entity.
Somaliland, a self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia that unilaterally declared independence in 1991, maintains its own government, currency, and institutions in the capital Hargeisa but lacks widespread international recognition. Most countries, including all United Nations members prior to recent developments, regard it as part of Somalia. The Israeli visit involved Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar meeting Somaliland’s leadership, discussions on bilateral ties, and plans for mutual embassies.
The joint declaration reaffirms unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. It states that encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and risks exacerbating tensions in a region already facing fragility due to ongoing conflicts, piracy concerns in adjacent waters, and strategic importance near the Bab el-Mandeb strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Signatories emphasised the necessity of respecting international law, non-interference in sovereign states’ internal affairs, and adherence to diplomatic norms for maintaining regional and global stability. They commended Somalia’s commitment to peaceful engagement and constructive diplomacy.
The countries expressed continued backing for diplomatic and legal measures by Somalia to protect its sovereignty and stability in accordance with international law. They demanded that Israel fully respect Somalia’s national unity and territorial integrity, comply with its international obligations, and immediately revoke the recognition issued in late December 2025.
No immediate response from Israeli authorities to the latest joint statement has been reported as of January 9, 2026. The development follows widespread criticism of Israel’s initial recognition, including from the African Union and Arab League, highlighting concerns over potential precedents for territorial disputes worldwide. Somalia has consistently viewed engagements with Somaliland authorities as infringements on its jurisdiction.
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Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.
