Friday April 17, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic representative to Somaliland, the self-declared region in northwestern Somalia.
In a statement posted Thursday on social media platform X, the OIC described the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, referring to Israel as the “occupying power.”
The OIC emphasized the need to respect international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, which require member states to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. It reiterated its solidarity with Somalia and called for adherence to international legal norms in matters concerning diplomatic representation and territorial status.
The condemnation follows Israel’s announcement in December 2025 of mutual recognition with Somaliland, a move rejected by the Somali government and criticized by several countries. On Wednesday, Israel appointed its first ambassador to the region.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gainedinternational recognition.
