A coalition of 21 countries, led by Pakistan, has denounced Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it a “blatant disregard for international law” and a direct assault on Somalia’s sovereignty.
The joint rejection underscores the growing diplomatic backlash against Israel’s move, which made it the first nation to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s independence.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on 29 December, reaffirming its solidarity with Somalia and rejecting any attempt to “undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.” Islamabad described Israel’s recognition as provocative and unlawful, warning that it could destabilise the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 after Somalia’s civil war, has long sought international recognition but has remained unacknowledged by any UN member state.
Israel’s announcement last week sparked jubilant celebrations in Hargeisa, where thousands waved flags and projected the Israeli flag onto public buildings.
Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known locally as Cirro, defended the recognition, insisting it was “not directed against any state” and posed no threat to peace.
Somalia’s government responded sharply, labelling Israel’s move as “state aggression” and accusing it of pursuing recognition as part of a broader plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza.
The Palestinian foreign ministry echoed these concerns, recalling that Israel had previously identified Somaliland as a potential destination for displaced Palestinians, which it described as a “red line.”
The African Union and Arab League have also rejected Israel’s decision. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf warned that recognising Somaliland would set a dangerous precedent for separatist movements across Africa, citing the 1964 Cairo Declaration on the sanctity of inherited borders.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned the move as a “flagrant violation of international law.”
Among the 20 other nations joining Pakistan in rejecting Israel’s recognition were Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye, Yemen, and the OIC.
Their collective stance reflects widespread concern that Israel’s action could embolden separatist movements and destabilise fragile regions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the recognition, framing it as part of the Abraham Accords and pledging to champion Somaliland’s cause in upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump. However, Trump distanced himself from Netanyahu’s position, stating he would not follow Israel’s lead.
Analysts warn that the widening opposition highlights Israel’s growing diplomatic isolation over the issue. While Somaliland celebrates what it sees as the end of three decades of diplomatic isolation, the international community remains deeply divided, with most nations reaffirming Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, African Union statements, Arab League communiqués
