Pakistan at UN calls Israel’s Somaliland recognition ‘direct assault’ on Somalia’s sovereignty

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland at the United Nations Security Council, calling it a “direct assault” on Somalia’s sovereignty as multiple member states warned the move could destabilise the Horn of Africa and violate international law.

Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon stated that the recognition constitutes a “flagrant violation of international law” and urged the Security Council to reject all actions that undermine Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.

“Any action that diverts attention, weakens cohesion or fuels division is profoundly irresponsible,” Jadoon said, adding that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land has been a central source of Middle Eastern instability for decades. “It is now exporting this destabilising conduct to the Horn of Africa.”

Israel on December 26 became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state — a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia’s longstanding opposition to secession.

Foreign ministers of more than 20 Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement Sunday, rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

In his remarks, Jadoon highlighted the concerning nature of Israel’s actions, stating, “Against the backdrop of Israel’s previous references to ‘Somaliland’ of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a destination for the deportation of Palestinian people, especially from Gaza, its unlawful recognition of ‘Somaliland’ region is deeply troubling.”

Reports had surfaced in March, indicating the US and Israel had approached officials in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland to explore the use of their territories as potential destinations for forcibly relocating Palestinians from Gaza.

Jadoon emphasised, “For decades, Israel’s dispossession and occupation of Palestinian land have been a central source of instability and conflict in the Middle East. It is now exporting this destabilising conduct to the Horn of Africa, with serious implications for regional peace and security.”

Read: Over 20 muslim countries condemn Israel’s Somaliland recognition

He also made it clear that Pakistan “unequivocally rejected any proposals or plans aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians,” noting that a previous UNSC resolution endorsing US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan explicitly stated that “no one will be forced to leave Gaza.”

Israel’s announcement prompted widespread regional and international criticism, with statements issued by Egypt, Jordan, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, along with a collective statement from 20 Middle Eastern and African nations rejecting and condemning the move. Regional bodies and partners — including the League of Arab States, the Eastern African Community, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the European Union — emphasised the importance of respecting Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The representative of Somalia strongly condemned Israel’s “flagrant assault” on his country’s unity and territorial integrity through its recognition of the “so-called ‘Somaliland,’ which is legally incapable of entering into any agreement or arrangement with another country.” He emphasised that any such purported arrangements are “null and void” and constitute a direct violation of the UN Charter, the fundamental principles of the African Union, and international law.

Denmark’s representative warned against setting a “dangerous precedent” that could further inflame tensions in the Horn of Africa, stressing that any resolution of the international status of Somaliland must occur within the framework of Somalia’s legal and constitutional order.

The United Kingdom’s delegate noted that “Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups benefit from internal divisions in Somalia.” France’s representative highlighted the importance of avoiding any measures that might “compromise peace and security” in Somalia, the Horn of Africa, or the Gulf of Aden.

China’s delegate stated that “Somaliland is an integral part of Somali territory” and opposed any attempts to divide the country, describing the issue as “entirely Somalia’s internal affairs” to be resolved by the Somali people.

Read more: Houthi leader says Israeli presence in Somaliland will be considered ‘military target’

The Russian Federation’s representative emphasised that Somalia’s internal disputes must be settled “on the basis of inclusive national dialogue without any external interference.”

However, the United States representative Tammy Bruce expressed support for Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, asserting that it “has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign State.” She recalled that earlier in 2025, several countries unilaterally recognised a “non-existent Palestinian State,” noting that “no emergency meeting was called to express this Council’s outrage.”

She added: “This Council’s persistent double-standards and misdirection of focus distract from its mission of maintaining international peace and security.” However, she clarified that “we have no announcement to make regarding United States recognition of Somaliland and there has been no change in American policy.”

Israel’s delegate emphasised that his country’s recognition is “neither provocative nor novel,” describing it as “a lawful, principled acknowledgement of a long-established reality, consistent with international law and aligned with the values that this Council is meant to uphold.” He further stated that recognition is “not an act of defiance,” but “an opportunity” to provide clarity, encourage responsibility, and strengthen stability in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s representative Abukar Dahir Osman strongly condemned the remarks, saying it was outrageous for a delegate to “lecture us today” while Israel is “deliberately starving” Gaza and has killed more than 70,000 civilians, including children, women, and the elderly. He asserted that Somalia is “one country, one people, one religion,” united in its struggle for independence and in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa.