By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation convened an emergency meeting of its Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah on Saturday to condemn Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as a dangerous breach of international law and a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a separate resolution, the gathering also called for an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the implementation of the next phase of a ceasefire agreement there.
The 22nd extraordinary session, held at the OIC’s headquarters and requested by Somalia, adopted two resolutions. The first rejected Israel’s decision to recognise the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland — which declared independence in 1991 but has not been acknowledged by any other country until Israel did so on December 26 — as “an illegal” act that violates Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders.
OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha, in his opening remarks, described the moment as “very delicate and sensitive,” showing the need to address “serious developments affecting the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” He characterised Israel’s announcement as “a dangerous precedent that constituted a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to regional security and stability.”
Taha noted that the ministerial session followed an earlier extraordinary meeting of the organisation’s executive committee on January 1, reflecting widespread concern among member states. He emphasised the importance of a “unified, clear, and firm Islamic position” in support of Somalia’s unity, grounded in the OIC Charter, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The second resolution focused on the situation in the Palestinian territories, urging Israel, as the occupying power, to advance to the subsequent phase of the existing ceasefire framework. It demanded a comprehensive and permanent halt to hostilities, a full withdrawal from Gaza, measures to prevent the displacement of Palestinians and support for the return of those already displaced to their homes.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the session, arriving to a welcome from Taha and Pakistan’s permanent representative to the OIC, Ambassador Fawad Sheron. Dar’s participation came amid broader Pakistani support for Somalia’s position on territorial integrity. The OIC gathering was preceded by preparatory discussions among senior officials.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland quickly escalated diplomatic tensions, with Somalia denouncing it as an assault on its sovereignty. Adding to the controversy, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar made a high-profile visit to Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, on January 6 — the first by an Israeli foreign minister to the region since the recognition — where he met with Abdullahi and discussed expanding ties in areas including diplomacy, security, trade and investment. Somalia condemned the trip as an unauthorized incursion.
The developments have drawn sharp criticism from regional actors and beyond, including the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and several African and European governments, all reaffirming support for Somalia’s unity.
Earlier in the day, Saturday, before the OIC meeting, Dar inaugurated the new chancery building of Pakistan’s Consulate General in Jeddah. The ceremony, attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq, Saudi officials, Consul General Syed Mustafa Rabbani and members of the Pakistani community, included raising the national flag, a tree-planting, a ribbon-cutting, a plaque unveiling and prayers for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. A short video showcasing the building’s features was also screened.
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