Pakistan has joined 20 other countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in strongly rejecting Israel’s decision to recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, warning that the move threatens regional stability and violates international law.
The rejection was expressed in a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar, Somalia, Iran and several other countries along with the OIC.
The statement described Israel’s move as an “unequivocal” violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.
Joint condemnation and support for Somalia and rejection of Somaliland
The joint statement said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could have “serious repercussions on peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea,” and reflects Israel’s “full and blatant disregard for international law”.
The ministers said the move “constitutes a grave violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter,” which clearly protect the sovereignty and unity of states.
They stressed their “full support of the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia” and rejected any steps that undermine its territorial integrity.
They also warned that recognizing breakaway regions “sets a dangerous precedent” and poses a threat to international peace and security.
Pakistan’s stance and Palestinian concerns on Israel move
In a separate statement Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Islamabad “strongly condemns any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia,” and rejected Israel’s recognition of the so-called Somaliland region.
Pakistan urged the international community to reject such actions and to “prevent and deter Israel from undermining the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the broader region”.
The joint statement also registered “full rejection of any potential link” between the Somaliland recognition and attempts to forcibly expel Palestinians from their land.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned that Israel had previously identified Somaliland as a possible destination for the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
Somalia has called Israel’s decision a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty while the African Union warned it could set a dangerous precedent.
The United States has distanced itself from the move with President Donald Trump saying Washington does not plan to recognize Somaliland.
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