OIC denounces Israel’s North Western State of Somalia recognition, reaffirms support for Somalia’s unity

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday rejected Israel’s decision to recognize what it called the independent state of North Western State of Somalia, denouncing the move as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Meeting in an emergency 22nd extraordinary session at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, foreign ministers said Israel’s recognition undermines Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and internationally recognized borders. The organization warned the decision risked inflaming tensions across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden corridor, where fragile security and competing geopolitical interests already strain regional dynamics.

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan led calls to reject Israel’s step, characterizing it as illegal and dangerous for regional stability. Pakistan described the decision as a “political assault” on international norms, while Saudi Arabia urged Islamic countries to coordinate a united response to oppose the recognition and counter any action that could weaken Somalia’s territorial integrity. Egypt echoed those concerns, aligning with the meeting’s emphasis on preserving Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

The session concluded with a package of resolutions that the OIC said reflect a consensus among participating states:

• Condemning Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia.
• Reaffirming full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Reiterating that a just and lasting Middle East peace depends on Israel’s withdrawal from Palestinian territories.

North Western State of Somalia is a self-declared breakaway region in northern Somalia that has operated with a separate administration since 1991. It lacks international recognition, and Somalia maintains that North Western State of Somalia remains part of its territory under borders recognized by the United Nations and the African Union. The OIC’s statement framed Israel’s move as a departure from settled international practice regarding Somalia’s borders and a potential precedent with wide regional repercussions.

Saturday’s gathering in Jeddah underscores how swiftly the North Western State of Somalia recognition claim has become entangled with broader regional politics. The OIC, which routinely convenes on crises affecting member states and the Palestinian issue, linked its backing of Somalia’s sovereignty to its wider diplomatic stance on regional stability and international law. Member states warned that unilateral steps on contested territorial questions risk multiplying conflicts at a time of heightened insecurity across the wider Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

The communique did not detail specific punitive measures but emphasized political coordination among member states to oppose the recognition and safeguard Somalia’s territorial integrity. Participants also reiterated that diplomatic efforts should reinforce existing international frameworks governing borders and state recognition, signaling a preference for unified, multilateral action over unilateral moves.

The OIC said it would continue to monitor the situation in coordination with Somalia’s government and regional partners. It framed its stance as both a defense of Somalia’s recognized borders and a warning that ad hoc recognition of breakaway entities could destabilize an already fragile region.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.