The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and several member states, including Bangladesh, have strongly condemned Israel’s announcement regarding the appointment of a diplomatic envoy to the “so-called Somaliland.”
In a statement issued from Jeddah on 16 April 2026, the OIC General Secretariat described the move by Israel – referred to as the “occupying power” – as a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The region in question is located in the northwestern part of Somalia.
The foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Palestine, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Kuwait expressed their unequivocal rejection of such unilateral measures.
They pointed out that these actions infringe upon state sovereignty and constitute a blatant breach of the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
The diplomatic bloc further warned that the appointment sets a “dangerous precedent” that risks undermining stability across the Horn of Africa.
The OIC General Secretariat reaffirmed its full solidarity with the Republic of Somalia, offering unwavering support for its legitimate institutions.
It emphasised the necessity of adhering to international principles and the Charter of the United Nations, which stipulate respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states.
