{"id":482,"date":"2026-01-09T06:08:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T06:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1newsnetwork.com\/?p=482"},"modified":"2026-02-03T05:50:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T05:50:20","slug":"oic-22-islamic-countries-strongly-condemn-israeli-foreign-ministers-somaliland-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1nationmedia.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/09\/oic-22-islamic-countries-strongly-condemn-israeli-foreign-ministers-somaliland-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"OIC, 22 Islamic countries strongly condemn Israeli foreign minister’s Somaliland visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Joint statement says move breaches international law, undermines Somalia\u2019s territorial integrity <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n

By Berk Kutay Gokmen and Busranur Keskinkilic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ISTANBUL \/ ANKARA (AA) – Twenty-two Islamic countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday strongly condemned what they called an \u201cillegal\u201d visit by Israel\u2019s foreign minister to Somalia\u2019s breakaway region of Somaliland, saying it violated Somalia\u2019s sovereignty and international law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a joint statement, the OIC and the foreign ministries of the signatory countries said they expressed \u201ctheir strong condemnation of the recent illegal visit by the Israeli official to \u2018Somaliland\u2019 Region of the Federal Republic of Somalia on 6 January 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar \u201cconstitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and undermines established international norms and United Nations Charter,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reaffirming their \u201cunwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity\u201d of Somalia, the signatories warned that \u201cencouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRespect for international law, non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign states, and adherence to diplomatic norms are essential for regional and international stability,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The statement also praised Mogadishu for its \u201ccommitment to peaceful international engagement, constructive diplomacy and adherence to international law,\u201d and said the signatories would continue backing Somalia\u2019s diplomatic and legal steps to \u201csafeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability in line with international law.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israel announced on December 26 that it had officially recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the only country to do so. The move drew sharp criticism across the region, which described it as illegal and a threat to international peace and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demanding Israel to reverse its position, the statement said Tel Aviv must \u201cfully respect Somalia\u2019s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity and honour its obligations in compliance with international law,\u201d and urged the immediate withdrawal of Israel\u2019s recognition of Somaliland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Somaliland has operated as a de facto self-governing entity since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has not received international recognition as a sovereign state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministries of Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, the Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, T\u00fcrkiye, and Yemen, as well as the OIC. – Anadulo Agency<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Joint statement says move breaches international law, undermines Somalia\u2019s territorial integrity
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