Egypt: Israel’s ‘Somaliland’ recognition a dangerous precedent undermining int'l order

JEDDAH – 10 January 2026: Egypt on Saturday warned that Israel’s recognition of the self-declared region of “Somaliland” sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the international order and threatens regional and global stability.

Speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Jeddah, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s firm support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia.

Abdelatty said Egypt categorically rejects and fully condemns any unilateral and illegitimate recognition of so-called Somaliland.

He stressed that such moves constitute a blatant violation of international law, the charters of the United Nations, the OIC, the Arab League, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, particularly principles related to respect for state sovereignty, internationally recognized borders, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs.

The minister warned that the move does not only threaten Somalia’s unity and stability, but also opens the door to a dangerous precedent that could erode the international system that is based on respect for international borders.

He cautioned that this could endanger regional and international peace and security, especially in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, at a time when growing challenges require enhanced cooperation rather than the fueling of divisions.

Abdelatty noted that the Israeli step comes at a highly sensitive time for Somalia, emphasizing the need for the international community to support Somalia’s efforts to complete state-building, restore control over its entire territory, and strengthen its ability to combat terrorism.

He stressed the importance of advancing an inclusive political process and supporting Somali-Somali dialogue as the only legitimate path toward stability, security, and prosperity for the Somali people.

The minister reiterated Egypt’s support for collective action by the OIC to reaffirm Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to oppose any attempts to impose an illegitimate fait accompli.

Abdelatty also underlined Egypt’s commitment to remaining an active and constructive member of the OIC, working to protect the interests of member states in line with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

Unilateral Recognition

Israel in December became the first country to formally recognise self-declared Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, dismissing Somalia’s longstanding rejection of secession.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government but has not been internationally recognised and is considered by Mogadishu and the international community as part of Somalia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, signed a joint declaration described by Netanyahu’s office as being concluded “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.”

These are US-brokered agreements signed in 2020 to normalise diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab countries.

Somalia has condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and demanded that Israel reverse its move.

Israel also dispatched its foreign minister Gideon Saar to Somaliland, where he held talks "on the full range of relations" with the region’s president, Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullah.

The recognition and the visit were both met with condemnation by Arab and Muslim countries.