Ramallah/Tehran/Jeddah– The State of Palestine, European Union,The Islamic State of Iran and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have issued strong condemnations of Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, viewing it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a potential ploy linked to Palestinian displacement.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed unwavering support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and categorically rejecting any mutual recognition between Israel and the breakaway Somaliland region. He denounced steps undermining Somali institutions or imposing parallel entities, praising Arab positions against the move. Abbas described it as part of “desperate attempts” to displace Palestinians, reportedly to Somalia amid ongoing Gaza tensions.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed the same condemning the recognition as an “illegal step” by an occupying power that destabilizes the Horn of Africa. It highlighted alleged Israeli proposals to resettle Gazans in Somaliland, rejecting any forced transfer schemes.
The European Union has also reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
In a brief statement issued on Saturday evening the EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy declared: “The European Union reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in accordance with its constitution and the Charters of the African Union and the United Nations. This is key to peace and stability in the entire Horn of Africa region.”
The statement further noted: “The EU encourages meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve longstanding differences.”
The Islamic State of Iran joined other countries to condemn Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
A statement by the Iranian foreign ministry said, “Zionist regime’s violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be accepted.”
Separately, the OIC General Secretariat expressed “strong condemnation and categorical rejection,” calling the action a breach of Somalia’s national unity and territorial integrity. It reaffirmed full solidarity with Somalia’s legitimate institutions, urging adherence to OIC, UN charters and international law respecting member states’ sovereignty.
The OIC emphasized preserving peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, rejecting actions that could undermine regional security. This adds to widespread rebukes from Somalia, the African Union and several Arab states following Israel’s announcement on December 26.
