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The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the African Union (AU), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have joined a growing chorus of countries and senior diplomats condemning Israel’s formal decision to recognise Somaliland, a self-declared region in Somalia, as an independent state.
Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa, proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. Despite operating with its own institutions for more than three decades, it has failed to secure international recognition. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who assumed office last year, has made diplomatic recognition a central pillar of his administration.
On Friday, Israel announced that it now regarded Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, becoming the first country to officially extend such recognition. The move immediately drew sharp backlash from Somalia, which described the decision as a “deliberate assault” on its territorial integrity and warned it could destabilise the wider region.
In a statement issued the same day, the African Union rejected Israel’s action, cautioning that it risked establishing “a dangerous precedent with far-reaching consequences for peace and stability across Africa”. AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the bloc “firmly opposes any initiative or step aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity”, reiterating that the territory “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia”.
‘A dangerous precedent’
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit denounced Israel’s decision as “a blatant violation of international law and a clear infringement on the principle of state sovereignty and unity”. He warned that unilateral recognition efforts represented “unacceptable interference” in Somalia’s internal affairs and could undermine both regional and global stability.
The GCC echoed those concerns, describing the move as “a grave breach of international law and a blatant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said the recognition would weaken stability in the Horn of Africa, fuel further tensions, and run counter to international efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region.
The European Union also weighed in, reaffirming its respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while urging dialogue between the Somali federal government and Somaliland authorities.
Meanwhile, the OIC released a joint statement alongside foreign ministers from numerous countries, including Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye, and Yemen.
The group expressed its “unequivocal rejection” of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, warning that such an “unprecedented measure” could have serious consequences for peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, and global stability more broadly. The statement criticised what it called Israel’s “complete and flagrant disregard for international law” and reaffirmed full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
The signatories also rejected “any possible linkage” between the Somaliland recognition and alleged plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land. Earlier this year, reports surfaced suggesting that international recognition of Somaliland may have been tied to proposals involving the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to parts of Africa—claims that have drawn widespread condemnation.
Somalia demands reversal
Several countries, including Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, and Nigeria, issued separate statements condemning Israel’s move. Both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas also rejected the recognition.
Somalia formally demanded on Friday that Israel reverse its decision, branding it an act of “aggression that will never be tolerated”. In contrast, Somaliland President Abdullahi welcomed the announcement, describing it as a “historic moment” and declaring on X that it signalled the start of a new “strategic partnership” with Israel.
As international reactions continued, Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked armed group al-Shabab issued a statement on Saturday vowing to resist any Israeli attempt “to claim or use parts of Somaliland”. The group, which has waged a violent insurgency for years, warned: “We will not accept it, and we will fight against it.”
US President Donald Trump also commented on the issue when asked by the New York Post whether Washington intended to recognise Somaliland. He responded that it did not.
“Does anyone really know what Somaliland is?” Trump added.
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