ISLAMABAD (MNN); Pakistan and 11 other countries on Saturday strongly condemned Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic representative to Somaliland, calling it a serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
According to a joint statement shared by the Foreign Office, the condemnation was issued by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Bangladesh, Algeria, Palestine, Türkiye, Indonesia, Pakistan and Kuwait.
Israel recently appointed Michael Lotem as its first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the appointment earlier this week.
The joint statement described the move as a “flagrant violation” of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Somalia. It reaffirmed the countries’ firm rejection of unilateral actions that undermine state unity or infringe upon national sovereignty.
The ministers reiterated their strong and unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and its legitimate institutions, recognizing them as the sole representatives of the Somali people.
They further emphasized that Israel’s action contravenes key principles of international law, including the United Nations Charter and the founding framework of the African Union.
The statement warned that such steps could set a dangerous precedent, potentially destabilizing the Horn of Africa and negatively affecting regional peace and security.
Earlier, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also condemned the move, reiterating its full support for Somalia’s internationally recognized government and its territorial integrity.
Israel had previously become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state in December. The United States later defended the decision at the United Nations Security Council, while several countries, including Pakistan, raised concerns about possible links to broader geopolitical objectives.
