Maldives condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a violation of international law

Maldives has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, calling it a violation of international law and an act that undermines Somalia’s sovereignty.

The issue was discussed at the 22nd Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, held Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the meeting, Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel said Israel’s move directly challenges Somalia’s territorial integrity and contradicts international norms and the principles of the UN Charter.

Khaleel said the decision was particularly concerning given Israel’s “continued disregard for international law” in the Middle East, noting the escalation of violence in the Palestinian territories.

He reiterated Maldives’ condemnation of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and said the erosion of the international legal system poses a serious threat to small states like Maldives that depend on global norms for their security.

Maldives joined several Arab and Islamic countries in issuing statements rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Somaliland emerged in northern Somalia in 1991 after local factions broke away during the country’s civil conflict. The region unilaterally declared independence as the “Republic of Somaliland,” but no country has recognized it for the past 34 years.

Last week, Israel became the first state to formally recognize Somaliland, following a visit by Somaliland leader Abdulrahman Mohamed Abdullahi to Israel, where he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

Netanyahu said Israel would extend diplomatic, financial, and technological support to Somaliland.