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JEDDAH:
Foreign ministers of Islamic countries adopted two major resolutions on Sunday condemning Israel’s actions in Somaliland and Palestine, while reaffirming their support for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened the 22nd extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Jeddah, which brought together foreign ministers of member states to deliberate on developments affecting Somalia, Palestine and regional stability.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the high-level meeting. Addressing the council, Dar strongly condemned Israel’s unlawful and illegal recognition of the Somaliland region as an independent state.
He described the Israeli decision as a blatant violation of international law and a direct attack on Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. He also denounced the subsequent visit of an Israeli official to Somaliland.
He described the visit as unjustified, highly provocative and politically aggressive, likely to destabilize an already fragile region. Dar warned that such actions set a perilous precedent and pose a serious threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
“Failure to respect sovereignty could have far-reaching global consequences,” Dar warned. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that Somalia’s internationally recognized borders were sacrosanct and inviolable, and that Somaliland remained an integral part of the country.
“No external actor has either the legal status or moral authority to alter this fundamental reality,” Dar said, adding that any recognition or declaration regarding Somali territory should be considered null and void, producing no political or legal effect.
The Deputy Prime Minister maintained that the recognition of an integral part of a sovereign state was not an act of diplomacy but an act of political aggression, threatening peace, security and stability in a strategically sensitive region.
Dar noted that Pakistan had expressed strong support for Somalia and condemned Israel’s actions during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing, stressing that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state were peremptory norms of international law.
He said Pakistan joined other OIC member states in unequivocally rejecting Israel’s move through a joint statement issued immediately after the so-called recognition of Somaliland, reflecting the collective Islamic opposition.
The joint statement, he explained, describes the recognition of parts of sovereign states as a violation of the cardinal principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, warning of serious repercussions for regional and international security.
Dar stressed that a strong rejection by the OIC and the international community as a whole was essential to prevent the Israeli action from setting a precedent that could encourage similar violations elsewhere.
He said developments in the Horn of Africa were particularly alarming at a time when Somalia was demonstrating tangible progress in national reconciliation, constitutional reform and the revitalization of state institutions.
Dar highlighted positive trends in Somalia’s financial sector, economic legislation and efforts towards inclusive “one person, one vote” elections, describing them as important steps towards consolidating democracy and long-term stability.
“This progress reflects a Somali-led and Somali-led path toward political reconciliation and cooperation,” he said, warning that such momentum must be protected rather than undermined by divisive external actions.
He recognized the sacrifices and resilience of the Somali people and security forces in the face of threats posed by Al-Shabab and its affiliated groups, emphasizing the importance of continued international support.
Dar warned that Israel’s actions undermined regional and international counterterrorism efforts and risked creating fragile environments vulnerable to extremist exploitation, thereby harming global security.
Reiterating Pakistan’s alignment with the OIC, Dar called on all states and organizations to refrain from any form of engagement with Somaliland authorities that would not strictly respect the sovereignty and unity of Somalia.
Regarding Palestine, Dar categorically rejected any proposals or plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians, stressing that such actions violated international law and undermined prospects for lasting peace.
As a supporter of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’, Dar said Pakistan intends to contribute to the implementation efforts to maintain the ceasefire, end the war and respond to humanitarian suffering.
Dar also discussed the Jammu and Kashmir conflict, describing it as South Asia’s main conflict and a nuclear hotspot, and called for renewed efforts under the auspices of the UN for a just resolution. He appreciated the OIC’s constant support to the Kashmiri people.
According to an OIC statement, the Council’s resolutions send a clear message about maintaining sovereignty, rejecting Israel’s actions and strengthening collective resolve in a delicate regional and international environment.
