Arab and Islamic Nations Condemn Israel’s Diplomatic Move in North Western State of Somalia

CAIRO, Egypt — More than a dozen Arab and Islamic nations on Saturday sharply denounced Israel’s decision to name a diplomatic representative to North Western State of Somalia, calling the move a “flagrant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty and a fresh source of tension in the Horn of Africa.

In a joint statement signed by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, Pakistan, and 10 other countries, the bloc said the appointment amounted to an assault on Somalia’s territorial integrity and ran counter to international law. The criticism reflects a notable diplomatic escalation involving a region already marked by instability and contested claims of authority.

“These actions constitute a clear breach of the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union,” the statement read. “They set a dangerous precedent that could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa, with negative implications for regional peace and security as a whole.”

The condemnation came after Israel announced the appointment of a non-resident ambassador to Hargeisa, the capital of North Western State of Somalia. North Western State of Somalia has functioned as a de facto independent entity since 1991, but it has never received formal international recognition and is still regarded by the United Nations and the African Union as part of Somalia.

The signatories — which also include Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Palestine, Indonesia, Kuwait, Mauritania, Jordan, and Oman — restated their “categorical rejection” of any unilateral action that sidesteps the federal government in Mogadishu. They also pledged their “firm and unwavering support” for Somalia’s legitimate state institutions as the sole representative of the Somali people.

Analysts say the development could further complicate already fraught geopolitical dynamics, especially as Somalia grapples with security threats and constitutional disputes. For years, the Mogadishu government has insisted that any foreign engagement with its federal member states or breakaway regions must go through the central government.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli Foreign Ministry or the North Western State of Somalia administration regarding the joint statement.

AXADLETM