Muslim nations condemn Somaliland embassy in Israel
Egypt and Islamic countries have condemned Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law and a challenge to Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The criticism came after Somaliland officially opened the embassy in Israel on Monday. Israel remains the only country to recognize the self-declared breakaway region of Somalia as a sovereign state.
Egypt on Tuesday denounced the inauguration of the embassy in Jerusalem, warning that it contradicts UN resolutions.
In a statement, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said it rejects “any unilateral measures aimed at entrenching an illegal reality in occupied Jerusalem” and reiterated that Jerusalem remains occupied Palestinian territory under international law. Cairo stressed that attempts to alter the city’s legal or historical status are “null and void.”
The ministry also reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, rejecting any actions that could weaken the authority of the government in Mogadishu.
The criticism was echoed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which condemned the opening of the mission and described it as an illegal act that violates the UN Charter and international resolutions.
“The Occupying Power has no sovereignty over Occupied Jerusalem,” the OIC said in a statement referring to Israel. The organization argued that any measures aimed at changing the political, legal, or demographic character of the city are invalid under international law.
The 57-member bloc also expressed solidarity with Somalia and urged the international community to oppose what it called an “illegal move.”
In May, Somalia condemned the act as illegal and a violation of its sovereignty, while the African Union also opposed Israel’s appointment of an envoy to Somaliland, reaffirming its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
In addition, Somaliland’s Defense Minister, Mohamed Yusuf Ali, said on Wednesday that Israel is helping to train the territory’s police and military forces, while dismissing reports that Tel Aviv plans to establish a military base there.
Somaliland, a self-governing region in northwestern Somalia, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized as a sovereign state by the UN or any major international organization.
