A coalition of more than twenty nations has issued a strong rebuke of Israel’s recent diplomatic overture toward Somaliland, firmly reiterating support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a joint statement released early Friday, the 21 signatory nations—including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, and Türkiye—denounced the Tuesday visit of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to the separatist region. The move came just days after Israel became the first and only country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a status not accepted by the international community.

"The nations dismissed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity, and urged Israel to revoke its recognition of Somaliland immediately," the statement declared.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a body representing most Muslim-majority nations, also endorsed the statement, amplifying its diplomatic weight.

The coalition condemned Saar's visit, warning that such actions threaten regional stability. "Encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region," the statement read. It further praised the Federal Government of Somalia for its "commitment to peaceful international engagement and adherence to international law."

During his visit, Saar met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the presidential palace. On social media platform X, Saar posted images of the meeting, writing, “We are determined to vigorously advance relations between Israel and Somaliland.” He later announced that President Abdullahi had accepted an invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an official visit to Israel.

The development has sparked concern and speculation about potential strategic motives. In response, Somaliland authorities have denied that its agreement with Israel includes provisions for establishing Israeli military bases or for the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza. The latter point touches on a sensitive regional issue, as some Israeli officials have recently advocated for what they describe as voluntary Palestinian migration from the besieged territory.

The unified diplomatic push underscores the broad international consensus upholding Somalia’s unity and highlights the significant isolation of Israel’s position on Somaliland. It presents a direct challenge to Israel's attempt to build a new strategic relationship in the Horn of Africa, setting the stage for further diplomatic friction. (ILKHA)