OIC condemns Israel’s appointment of diplomatic representative in North Western State of Somalia
Mogadishu (AX) - The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a sharp rebuke of Israel’s decision to name a diplomatic representative to North Western State of Somalia, the self-declared region in northwestern Somalia.
Friday April 17, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has issued a sharp rebuke of Israel’s decision to name a diplomatic representative to North Western State of Somalia, the self-declared region in northwestern Somalia.
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In a statement shared Thursday on social media platform X, the OIC said the move amounted to a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, while referring to Israel as the “occupying power.”
The organization reaffirmed its full support for the Federal Republic of Somalia and its internationally recognized government.
The OIC said international law and the United Nations Charter must be respected, noting that member states are obligated to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries. It restated its solidarity with Somalia and urged compliance with international legal principles in matters involving diplomatic representation and territorial status.
The statement came after Israel announced in December 2025 that it had mutually recognized North Western State of Somalia, a step the Somali government rejected and that drew criticism from several countries. On Wednesday, Israel appointed its first ambassador to the region.
North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has never received international recognition.