New Delhi: Several Arab and Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, have expressed strong displeasure over a decision by Israel. These countries have strongly condemned Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic representative to Somaliland, calling it wrong. In a joint statement, these countries said that this move by Israel is a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. They said that unilateral decisions that undermine the borders and unity of any country are absolutely unacceptable.
The foreign ministers of 16 countries from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Palestine, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Kuwait, issued a statement unanimously condemning Israel’s decision. They stated that Israel’s move violates international law and the principles of the United Nations and the African Union. They believe that such decisions could create instability in the Horn of Africa region.
Why did the dispute begin?
Israel recently announced its recognition of Somaliland as an independent country and that it would send a representative there. This decision sparked the controversy. Somalia has strongly protested this decision, arguing that Somaliland is part of its own territory and that recognizing it as a separate country violates its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This is why several other countries have come out in support of Somalia. They have warned that such actions will not be limited to one country, but could impact peace and security across the region. They added that such decisions could lead to even greater conflicts in the future.
What is Somaliland?
Somaliland separated from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government and years of intense civil war. Since then, it has had its own elected government, parliament, police force, currency, and passport system. However, for 30 years, it was not recognized internationally. Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland in December 2025.
Somaliland has a population of approximately 6 million people. It is located on the northwestern tip of Somalia and borders Djibouti to the northwest and Ethiopia to the west and south. Somaliland operates its own currency, the Somaliland shilling, collects taxes, manages public finances, and controls trade through its ports. It issues passports and national identity cards, operates schools and universities, and manages healthcare and other public services independently.
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