The statement, signed by nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, and Somalia, rejected Israel's December 26 decision outright. It warned of "serious repercussions" for peace in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea, accusing Jerusalem of disregarding UN Charter principles on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The group also condemned any linkage to alleged plans for displacing Palestinians, though Israeli officials have not confirmed such ties.
Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland on Friday when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a mutual declaration with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Netanyahu framed the move as extending the spirit of the Abraham Accords, promising cooperation in agriculture, technology, and security.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a brutal civil war, has functioned autonomously with its own government, currency, and elections but lacked formal recognition until now.
Celebrations erupted in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital, with crowds waving flags and hailing the breakthrough.
Somalia's government swiftly denounced the recognition as an "unlawful attack" on its sovereignty. The African Union, Arab League, and Gulf Cooperation Council echoed the outrage, warning of risks to continental stability.
The European Union urged respect for Somalia's borders and dialogue between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
US President Donald Trump, when asked about following Israel's lead, told reporters he was not considering recognition, quipping, "Does anyone really know what Somaliland is?"
Analysts see strategic motives behind Israel's move, including potential Red Sea access amid regional tensions.
21 Muslim-Majority Nations, OIC Condemn Israel's Recognition of Somaliland
Digital Desk
The statement, signed by nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, and Somalia, rejected Israel's December 26 decision outright. It warned of "serious repercussions" for peace in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea, accusing Jerusalem of disregarding UN Charter principles on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The group also condemned any linkage to alleged plans for displacing Palestinians, though Israeli officials have not confirmed such ties.
Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland on Friday when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a mutual declaration with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Netanyahu framed the move as extending the spirit of the Abraham Accords, promising cooperation in agriculture, technology, and security.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a brutal civil war, has functioned autonomously with its own government, currency, and elections but lacked formal recognition until now.
Celebrations erupted in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital, with crowds waving flags and hailing the breakthrough.
Somalia's government swiftly denounced the recognition as an "unlawful attack" on its sovereignty. The African Union, Arab League, and Gulf Cooperation Council echoed the outrage, warning of risks to continental stability.
The European Union urged respect for Somalia's borders and dialogue between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
US President Donald Trump, when asked about following Israel's lead, told reporters he was not considering recognition, quipping, "Does anyone really know what Somaliland is?"
Analysts see strategic motives behind Israel's move, including potential Red Sea access amid regional tensions.
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