12 Muslim-majority nations condemn Israel envoy to North Western State of Somalia for breaching Somalia sovereignty
Mogadishu (AX) — A diplomatic move by Israel has drawn sharp criticism from 12 Muslim-majority countries, which say the appointment of a representative to North Western State of Somalia violates Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
Sunday April 19, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — A diplomatic move by Israel has drawn sharp criticism from 12 Muslim-majority countries, which say the appointment of a representative to North Western State of Somalia violates Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
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In a joint declaration released in Islamabad on April 18, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Turkey, Indonesia and Kuwait denounced the step as a “flagrant violation” of the unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The ministers rejected the unilateral actions that undermine state sovereignty and reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity, territorial integrity and internationally recognized institutions.
They stressed that Somalia’s federal government is the only legitimate representative of the Somali people, warning that any attempt to dispute that standing could worsen instability in the Horn of Africa.
The statement argued that Israel’s decision runs counter not only to Somalia’s sovereignty but also to international law, the U.N. Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union. The ministers further cautioned that the move could establish a troubling precedent with wider implications for regional peace and security.
According to the statement, the action risks inflaming tensions in an already fragile region and may further weaken stability across the Horn of Africa.
The condemnation came after Israel appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to North Western State of Somalia, according to a report Wednesday by Israel’s public broadcaster. Lotem previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya.
The appointment followed Israel’s official recognition of North Western State of Somalia in December, making it the first country to do so and bringing an end to more than 30 years of diplomatic isolation for the breakaway territory.
North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has never secured broad international recognition. Somalia continues to view North Western State of Somalia as part of its sovereign territory and has opposed foreign actions it sees as lending legitimacy to secession.