JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to adopt a firm, unified stance against recognition of Somaliland.
Speaking at an emergency OIC meeting Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji reaffirmed Riyadh’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Al-Khuraiji said the Kingdom fully rejects the recognition declaration between Israel and Somaliland, calling it a unilateral secessionist step violating international law and UN charters.
He also warned against attempts to create parallel authorities undermining Somalia’s unity, urging OIC member states to avoid engaging with breakaway administrations or separatist authorities.
Israel became the first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland after signing a mutual recognition declaration with its leadership on December 26, 2025.
Somalia condemned Israel’s move as illegal and pledged to challenge it through diplomatic and legal channels, following tensions after Gideon Saar visited Somaliland recently.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 after Somalia’s central government collapsed, but it remains largely unrecognized. The African Union urged Israel to reverse recognition, supporting Somalia’s unity.
