Arab, Muslim States Back Somalia over Somaliland Jerusalem Move

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has secured backing from several Arab and Muslim-majority countries after they jointly condemned plans by Somaliland authorities to open what they described as a purported “embassy” in Jerusalem, calling the move illegal and a violation of international law.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Djibouti, Palestine, Oman, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon and Mauritania denounced the initiative as an unacceptable step that infringes on the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem.

The ministers said the move violated international law and United Nations resolutions concerning the status of Jerusalem, reiterating that East Jerusalem has been considered occupied Palestinian territory since 1967.

They also rejected what they described as unilateral actions aimed at legitimizing arrangements that contradict international resolutions or alter the legal status of the city.

The statement further reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, while rejecting measures seen as undermining the unity of Somali territory.

Somaliland, a northern region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is not internationally recognized despite maintaining its own governing institutions and pursuing separate foreign relations.

The issue has added to longstanding tensions between Mogadishu and Somaliland over sovereignty and diplomatic engagement, particularly as Somaliland seeks greater international recognition through ties with foreign governments and entities.

Somalia’s federal government has repeatedly opposed external diplomatic initiatives by Somaliland, arguing that foreign relations remain the exclusive mandate of the federal state under Somalia’s constitution.

The latest condemnation also reflects broader sensitivities across the Arab and Islamic world regarding the status of Jerusalem, which remains one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.