Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Rejection of Israel’s North Western State of Somalia Recognition at OIC Meeting

Saudi Arabia leads OIC rebuke of Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, backs Somalia’s unity

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia on Saturday led a forceful pushback within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation against Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, urging a unified response that reaffirms Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, representing Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at an extraordinary OIC session in Jeddah, said the kingdom fully supports Somalia’s internationally recognized borders and rejects what he described as “so-called mutual recognition” between Israel and North Western State of Somalia. The meeting was convened to address developments in Somalia following Israel’s decision.

Al-Khuraiji warned that any move to endorse unilateral secession risks entrenching actions that violate international law, the United Nations Charter and the OIC Charter, and could set a dangerous precedent for regional and international stability. He urged OIC members to adopt a firm collective Islamic position rejecting any recognition of, or engagement with, separatist entities in Somalia.

He said Israel should be held fully responsible for any political or security consequences arising from its actions and called for coordinated efforts in international forums to reaffirm Somalia’s unity. Al-Khuraiji also pressed member states to reject any measures or cooperation stemming from the recognition, arguing that such steps could normalize a breakaway trajectory that undermines established principles of state sovereignty.

Foreign ministers from across the OIC echoed the Saudi stance, condemning Israel’s move and affirming support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. Several warned that recognition of North Western State of Somalia could destabilize the Horn of Africa, where fragile security and political balances make secessionist precedents especially combustible.

North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic in the northwest of Somalia, proclaimed independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Despite operating with its own institutions, it has not been recognized by the international community. Israel’s recognition has drawn rebukes from Somalia, African and Arab states, and multilateral bodies including the African Union and the Arab League.

The OIC’s condemnation underscores the diplomatic headwinds facing Israel over the decision and the determination of Somalia and its allies to block moves they say legitimize secession. While the OIC did not announce specific punitive measures, the call for a united front signaled that member states could coordinate positions at the United Nations and other forums to buttress Somalia’s sovereignty and discourage bilateral engagement with North Western State of Somalia as a state.

Saturday’s statements add to mounting pressure amid warnings that the decision could ripple beyond Somalia, emboldening separatist claims elsewhere and complicating regional security coordination in the Horn of Africa. For the OIC, the episode also tests its cohesion on questions of territorial integrity — an issue with resonance across member states.

Saudi Arabia’s intervention placed the kingdom at the center of efforts to marshal a collective response, positioning the OIC as a venue for coordinated action and signaling that member governments intend to resist any moves they believe undermine internationally recognized borders in Somalia.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.