Pakistan, 11 Muslim countries uphold Somalia's sovereignty and slam Israeli appointment of Somaliland envoy

Pakistan and the foreign ministers of 11 other Muslim countries on Saturday condemned Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic representative to the "so-called Somaliland”, terming it a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity" of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The condemnation came two days after Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, months after it officially recognised the contentious breakaway region in Somalia. According to a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Indonesia, Palestine, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, they expressed their “strongest condemnation” of Israel’s announcement of the appointment of a diplomatic representative to the "so-called Somaliland”. 🔊PR No.1️⃣0️⃣3️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Joint Statement on Israel’s announcement of the appointment of a diplomatic representative to the so-called “Somaliland” 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hAZ7sCmxk9 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 18, 2026 The ministers reaffirmed their unequivocal rejection of all unilateral measures that undermined the unity of states or infringed upon their sovereignty. They further underscored their firm and unwavering support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, as well as for its legitimate state institutions, being the sole representative of the will of the Somali people. “Such actions constitute a blatant violation of the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and sets a dangerous precedent that risks undermining stability in the Horn of Africa,” the ministers emphasised, adding that it reflected negatively on regional peace and security as a whole. Read: Over 20 muslim countries condemn Israel's Somaliland recognition Somalia too had strongly condemned the appointment on Thursday, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and a clear breach of international law, and stressing that the region remained an integral part of the country. “This action represents a direct breach of Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. It stands in clear contradiction to international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the foundational principles of the African Union, both of which unequivocally recognise Somalia as a single, sovereign and indivisible state within its internationally recognised borders,” its Foreign Ministry had said in a statement. Somalia had also called on Israel to reconsider and reverse this decision and to fully respect Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, urging the international bodies to uphold international law and “reject any actions that undermine Somalia's unity or seek to legitimise secessionist claims". The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation had also slammed the move. Also Read: Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland as independent state Israel appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland on Wednesday. In December 2025, Israel announced mutual recognition with Somaliland, a move strongly rejected by the Somali government and criticised by many countries across the world. Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political and security entity, with the central government unable to assert control over the region and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.