The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the opening of a diplomatic mission by Somaliland in Jerusalem, describing the move as illegal and a violation of international law and United Nations resolutions on the city’s status.
In a statement issued by its General Secretariat, the OIC said the establishment of the mission in occupied Jerusalem contravenes the UN Charter and resolutions governing the territory’s status. The organisation stressed that Jerusalem remains occupied under international law and rejected any actions aimed at altering its status.
“The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned the opening of an embassy by the so-called ‘Somaliland’ in occupied Jerusalem, affirming that this measure is illegal and constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and its relevant resolutions,” the OIC stated.
The condemnation comes amid growing controversy over Somaliland’s decision to establish a diplomatic presence in Jerusalem, a move that has drawn criticism from Somalia’s federal government, religious leaders, and several Arab countries.
The OIC reiterated its long-standing position on Jerusalem, stating that Israel does not possess sovereignty over the city’s occupied eastern sector and that any actions intended to change its character or status have no legal effect under international law.
“Israel, the occupying power, has no sovereignty over Occupied Jerusalem, and that all decisions and measures aimed at altering its political, legal, or demographic status are null and void under international law,” the statement added.
The organisation also expressed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasising recognition of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its internationally recognised borders, while urging the international community to oppose the move and take action against the illegal measure.
The diplomatic dispute follows a meeting on Monday between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, popularly known as Abdirahman Irro. According to the Somaliland presidency, the two sides discussed cooperation in security, military affairs, and economic development.
Following the meeting, Somaliland announced the inauguration of a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen ties with Israel and gain broader international engagement.
Somalia’s federal government has consistently rejected any foreign policy actions undertaken independently by Somaliland, maintaining that external relations remain the responsibility of federal authorities in Mogadishu. The government has also repeatedly emphasised that Somaliland remains part of Somalia despite its self-declared independence in 1991, which has not received international recognition.
The status of Jerusalem remains one of the most contested issues in the Middle East. Much of the international community considers East Jerusalem occupied territory, and numerous UN resolutions have stated that measures aimed at changing the city’s status lack legal validity.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google