Arab League, OIC condemn Israel envoy to North Western State of Somalia as threat to Somalia’s sovereignty

Saturday April 18, 2026

Ahmed Aboul Gheit at the opening of an emergency meeting among the Arab League foreign ministers, held to discuss issues about Libya, at the headquarters in Cairo March 2, 2011. REUTERS/Amr A

Mogadishu (AX) — Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Saturday sharply criticized Israel’s decision to appoint an ambassador to North Western State of Somalia, describing it as a dangerous escalation that infringes on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement, Aboul Gheit said the appointment amounted to a clear violation of international law and the U.N. Charter, adding that it carried no legal standing or consequence. He also restated the Arab League’s backing for the unity and territorial integrity of its member states, Somalia included.

The Arab League said it rejects any diplomatic contact with or recognition of North Western State of Somalia outside the framework of the Federal Republic of Somalia, reiterating the bloc’s long-held support for Somalia’s national unity.

The rebuke comes amid mounting regional backlash to the Israeli move, which has already triggered strong criticism from Muslim and Arab organizations worried about its political and security fallout.

Aboul Gheit cautioned that the decision could further destabilize the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, two regions already burdened by conflict, geopolitical competition and insecurity. He added that the move could also endanger international shipping and global trade along one of the world’s most vital maritime routes.

The Arab League said it has formally communicated with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and other international officials in an effort to rally opposition to the decision and limit any harm to regional stability and international law.

The statement followed by only hours a strong condemnation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which denounced Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic representative to North Western State of Somalia, the self-declared region in northwestern Somalia.

The OIC said the move violates Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and it referred to Israel as the “occupying power.”

North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since maintained its own government and security forces, but it has not won international recognition. Somalia’s federal government regards North Western State of Somalia as part of its territory, and international bodies have generally upheld that view.