Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Opposition to Israel’s Recognition of North Western State of Somalia at OIC

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia and fellow members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia and reaffirmed support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning the move risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa.

Representing Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji told an extraordinary OIC meeting in Jeddah that the kingdom “categorically rejects” what he described as a so-called mutual recognition between “the Israeli occupation authorities and North Western State of Somalia.” He urged a unified Islamic stance that rejects any recognition of, or engagement with, separatist entities in Somalia.

• Saudi Arabia says Israel should be held fully responsible for any political or security fallout from its decision.
• OIC ministers echoed the call, backing Somalia’s internationally recognized borders.
• Officials warned the move could set a precedent undermining state sovereignty and regional stability.

Al-Khuraiji said the measure entrenches unilateral secessionist actions that violate international law, the United Nations Charter and the OIC Charter. He warned such steps create a “dangerous precedent” that could reverberate beyond Somalia, threatening stability in the broader region and internationally.

Calling for coordinated action, he urged OIC member states to adopt a firm collective position in international forums to reaffirm Somalia’s unity, reject any measures or cooperation stemming from Israel’s recognition, and prevent precedents that could endanger the sovereignty of OIC states. He said Israel should be held fully responsible for any political or security consequences arising from its move.

The Saudi position was echoed across the session, where foreign ministers condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia and pledged support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. Several speakers cautioned that legitimizing secessionist paths undermines established principles governing statehood and could inflame tensions across the Horn of Africa.

North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government but remains unrecognized by the international community. Israel’s decision to recognize the territory triggered swift pushback from Mogadishu and drew criticism from African and Arab states and multilateral bodies, including the African Union and the Arab League.

Saturday’s OIC meeting, convened in response to the developments, amplified that opposition. Ministers urged member states to avoid any steps that could be construed as engagement with separatist authorities in Somalia and to reinforce, through diplomatic channels and multilateral platforms, support for Somalia’s unity and internationally recognized borders.

The statements add to mounting diplomatic pressure on Israel as Somalia and its allies seek to block any effort they say legitimizes secession and weakens the foundations of international order. OIC officials framed the debate not only as a matter of Somalia’s sovereignty but as a broader test of adherence to charters and norms designed to prevent unilateral redrawing of borders.

While the meeting focused on Somalia, several ministers suggested the implications resonate far beyond the Horn of Africa. Endorsing breakaway bids, they said, risks emboldening separatist movements elsewhere and complicating conflict resolution efforts across volatile regions. The ministers called for sustained diplomatic coordination to reaffirm the primacy of international law and collective security principles.

No further measures were announced publicly, but officials signaled an intent to pursue coordinated messaging in international bodies, maintain pressure against any recognition of separatist entities in Somalia, and support diplomatic efforts by Mogadishu and regional partners to safeguard stability.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.