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OIC Slams Israel's Somaliland Recognition as "Blatant Violation" of Law

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held an extraordinary session to address Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. The OIC Secretary-General condemned the move as a "flagrant violation of international law" and a direct threat to regional security. Israel's recognition, formalized in December, marks the first by any nation in over 30 years since Somaliland broke away from Somalia. Despite having its own government, Somaliland remains internationally unrecognized, with Somalia insisting it is part of its territory.

Key Points: OIC Condemns Israel's Recognition of Somaliland

  • OIC holds emergency session on Somalia
  • Condemns Israel's Somaliland recognition
  • Calls move a threat to regional stability
  • Notes Somaliland's contested status
2 min read

OIC Foreign Ministers Council discusses developments in Somalia, calls Somaliland's recognition by Israel "blatant violation" of international law

The OIC calls Israel's recognition of Somaliland a "blatant violation of international law" and a threat to regional security during an emergency session.

"a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security and stability - OIC Statement"

Jeddah, January 11

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held its 22nd extraordinary session on Saturday to discuss about Somalia in light of Israel's recognition of Somaliland. The OIC called Israeli actions a "blatant violation of international law" and a threat to regional security.

It shared the details of the session in a post on X.

The statement noted that Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, delivered a speech during the opening session of the Council, in which he emphasised "that this extraordinary ministerial meeting was being held at a very delicate and sensitive time to discuss serious developments affecting the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following Israel, the occupying power's announcement, of its recognition of the so-called 'Somaliland' region as an independent state, in a dangerous precedent that constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security and stability."

It further noted that in his speech, the Secretary-General also addressed the situation in Palestine, stressing the need to compel Israel to move to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.

This comes as earlier in December last year, Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent country, becoming the first nation to do so more than 30 years after the territory broke away from Somalia, Times of Israel reported.

The declaration of mutual recognition was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on behalf of Israel, and by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for Somaliland. The breakaway region is located in a strategically important part of the Horn of Africa, along the Red Sea corridor.

Speaking to President Abdullahi over the phone, Netanyahu described the moment as historic.

Somaliland briefly gained independence in 1960 and was recognised by Israel and 35 other countries at the time before voluntarily uniting with Somalia. It declared separation again in 1991 after Somalia collapsed into civil war.

The region declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after years of civil war but has never been recognised internationally. Despite having its own government, currency, parliament and flag, Somaliland remains unrecognised by the United Nations, with Somalia maintaining that it is an inseparable part of its territory.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Interesting how the OIC statement links this back to Palestine. Israel's foreign policy seems to be about finding footholds wherever it can, regardless of international law. As an Indian, I hope our government's position is clear in supporting territorial integrity of nations.
A
Aman W
The strategic location is key here. The Red Sea corridor is vital for global trade. Israel recognizing Somaliland is less about Somaliland and more about getting a friend in a crucial maritime zone. Realpolitik at play.
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Sarah B
While I understand the OIC's concern, I have a slightly different take. Somaliland has been functioning as a de facto state for over 30 years with relative stability compared to Somalia. The world's refusal to engage with it hasn't helped the people living there. Isn't there a case for listening to their self-determination?
V
Vikram M
This sets a terrible precedent. If every breakaway region starts getting recognition from powerful countries for strategic reasons, it will lead to chaos. International law and UN charter must be respected. Full support to the OIC statement on this.
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Karan T
As an Indian, our own experience with unity and territorial integrity makes this issue very clear. External powers should not interfere in the internal matters of sovereign nations. Israel's move is provocative and unhelpful for regional peace.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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