ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar hasissued a stern condemnation of Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland asan independent state, describing the action as an illegal act of politicalaggression and a direct assault on Somalia’s internationally recognizedborders. Speaking at the extraordinary session of the Organisation ofIslamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah on Sunday, Daremphasized that such unilateral measures undermine global stability and seta perilous precedent in the Horn of Africa and beyond. The statementreflects Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to respecting the territorialintegrity of sovereign nations amid escalating diplomatic tensions.
Israel’s announcement on December 26, 2025, marked a historic first, as itbecame the only United Nations member state to formally recognize theself-declared Republic of Somaliland, which seceded from Somalia in 1991following prolonged civil unrest. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailedthe decision as aligned with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, promisingexpanded cooperation in agriculture, health, technology, and economy.Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi welcomed the move as amilestone toward international legitimacy, announcing intentions to jointhe Abraham Accords framework for regional peace and prosperity.
This recognition has provoked widespread international backlash,particularly from African and Muslim-majority nations. Somalia hasrepeatedly labeled the action an unlawful attack on its sovereignty,asserting that Somaliland remains an integral part of its territory. TheAfrican Union has reaffirmed its position that Somaliland is inseparablefrom Somalia, warning of dangerous precedents that could encouragesecessionist movements across the continent. Multiple countries, includingEgypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, have condemned the decision through jointstatements, highlighting violations of the United Nations Charter andprinciples of territorial integrity.
Pakistan’s response aligns with broader Muslim world concerns, asarticulated in joint declarations by over 20 nations and the Organisationof Islamic Cooperation. These statements have rejected Israel’s recognitionoutright, describing it as a flagrant disregard for international law andexpressing apprehension over potential links to forced displacement schemesinvolving Palestinians from Gaza. Reports from international media earliersuggested discussions on relocating Palestinians to Somaliland, though bothIsrael and Somaliland have denied formal agreements on such matters.
The strategic implications of Israel’s move extend to the geopoliticallyvital Gulf of Aden region, where Somaliland occupies a key position nearcritical maritime routes. Analysts note that recognition could enableIsrael to establish diplomatic and possibly security footholds, counteringinfluences in the Red Sea amid ongoing regional conflicts. However, thishas intensified fears of militarization in the Horn of Africa, with criticsarguing it exacerbates instability rather than fostering peace.
Following the recognition, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar conducted ahigh-profile visit to Somaliland on January 6, 2026, drawing furthercondemnation as an unauthorized incursion. Pakistan, alongside allies,issued statements rejecting this development and calling for the immediaterevocation of the recognition. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’semergency session, convened at Somalia’s request, adopted resolutionsdenouncing Israel’s actions and urging adherence to Somalia’s unity andborders.
Read Top Stories
Pakistan’s firm stance underscores its consistent foreign policy ofsupporting sovereignty and opposing unilateral alterations to establishedboundaries. Dar’s address at the Jeddah meeting highlighted the need forcollective solidarity among Muslim nations to counter such provocations,while reaffirming support for Somalia through multilateral forums like theUnited Nations. The episode illustrates the complex interplay of diplomacy,regional security, and historical secessionist claims in shapingcontemporary international relations.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1966362/israels-recognition-of-somaliland-an-act-of-political-aggression-says-dar-at-oic-moot
Tags: Somaliland, Israel, Somalia, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,Ishaq Dar
ogimageimage-name