Over 20 Nations Condemn Israeli Minister’s North Western State of Somalia Visit, Urge Reversing Recognition

More than 20 countries condemn Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, urge reversal

Friday, January 9, 2026

MOGADISHU, Somalia — More than 20 countries on Friday jointly condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s visit to the region, calling the move a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and urging Israel to immediately revoke its decision.

In a coordinated statement, the signatories rejected Israel’s designation of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state and reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity. The statement warned that encouraging secessionist agendas risks further destabilizing an already fragile Horn of Africa, and praised Mogadishu’s commitment to international law and peaceful engagement.

The statement was endorsed by Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, The Gambia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan and Türkiye. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also backed the statement, amplifying the diplomatic rebuke from Muslim-majority nations.

The signatories specifically condemned Saar’s visit to North Western State of Somalia earlier this week, which came days after Israel became the only country to formally recognize the self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia. “Encouraging secessionist agendas is unacceptable and risks exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region,” the statement said.

North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community. Somalia’s federal government considers the region an integral part of its internationally recognized territory and has described Israel’s move as a breach of international law.

During his visit, Saar said North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi had accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make an official visit to Israel, further heightening diplomatic tensions between Mogadishu and Tel Aviv.

North Western State of Somalia authorities have denied that Israel’s recognition would allow the establishment of Israeli military bases on its territory or facilitate the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza. Israeli officials in recent months have publicly advocated what they describe as voluntary Palestinian migration from Gaza, a proposal that has drawn strong opposition from Arab states and international organizations.

The joint condemnation adds to mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel following its recognition of North Western State of Somalia. The African Union, the Arab League and the United Nations have all reaffirmed support for Somalia’s unity and internationally recognized borders.

Somali officials say the breadth of opposition underscores international consensus on the issue and strengthens Mogadishu’s position as it seeks to block any steps that could legitimize North Western State of Somalia’s secession or redraw borders in the Horn of Africa.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.