Dozens of Foreign Ministers slam Israel over Somaliland envoy

A group of foreign ministers from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia on Saturday condemned Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, calling the move a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.

In a joint statement, ministers from countries including Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, Türkiye, and Indonesia said they “strongly condemn” the step and reiterated their “categorical rejection of all unilateral actions” that undermine the unity of states.

The statement referred to Somaliland as a “so-called” entity and described the reported Israeli move as “a blatant violation of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

The ministers said they support Somalia’s federal government as “the sole representative of the will of the Somali people,” underscoring their backing for Mogadishu amid long-standing disputes over Somaliland’s status. They also warned that such actions could set a “dangerous precedent” and undermine stability in the Horn of Africa, a region already facing significant security and political challenges.

Since December, when Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland, relations between the two sides have shown signs of expansion. The recognition signaled the potential for a deeper political and economic partnership rather than a purely symbolic gesture, as both sides began exploring areas of mutual interest. Early indications of progress have included a series of high-level engagements between officials.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdillahi Irro met Israeli President Isaac Herzog on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Following the meeting, Irro told Reuters that Somaliland is open to Israeli investment.

At the same time, reports have emerged suggesting that cooperation could extend into the security sphere. Reports have surfaced of discussions over potential military arrangements, including the possibility of Israel gaining access to military facilities in Somaliland. Officials in Hargeisa have not formally confirmed these reports, but the minister of the presidency has indicated that “nothing is off the table,” a remark widely interpreted as leaving open the prospect of expanded strategic cooperation. Additional reports have pointed to developments at Berbera Airport, though details remain unclear.

These developments have drawn strong opposition from Somalia’s federal government, which maintains that Somaliland remains part of its sovereign territory. Mogadishu has repeatedly condemned Israel’s recognition, describing it as a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Somalia’s federal government has secured support from a range of international partners, including many Muslim-majority countries. In the immediate aftermath of the recognition, dozens of states issued statements criticizing the move, accusing Israel of contravening international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The latest collective statement builds on those earlier condemnations.