Thursday June 18, 2026
Djibouti (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development on Thursday urged restraint and a firm احترام for Somalia’s sovereignty after North Western State of Somalia opened an embassy in Jerusalem.
In its statement, the Horn of Africa bloc restated its backing for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence, pointing to the IGAD Treaty, the African Union Constitutive Act and the U.N. Charter.
“IGAD has taken note of reports concerning the opening of a North Western State of Somalia embassy in Jerusalem and reiterates its longstanding position that Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity must be fully respected,” the bloc said.
IGAD said it was troubled by any move or initiative that weakens the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The organization warned that such steps could inflame tensions and erode regional peace, stability and cooperation.
The statement comes after reports that Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia as an independent sovereign state in December 2025, followed by the opening of a North Western State of Somalia mission in Jerusalem.
North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since functioned as a de facto self-governing administration with its own political, security and electoral institutions.
Somalia rejects North Western State of Somalia’s claim to statehood, regards the region as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and says any direct foreign dealings with Hargeisa outside Mogadishu’s authority amount to a breach of its sovereignty and unity.
The embassy opening in Jerusalem has also been condemned by Somalia and a number of regional and international bodies, including the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab Parliament.
