League Of Arab States Condemns Israel Recognition Of Somaliland And Reaffirms Somalia's Sovereignty

The Council of the League of Arab States has denounced Israel’s recognition of the Somaliland region and declared clear support for the Federal Republic of Somalia, describing the move as a violation of Somali sovereignty and territorial unity and warning that it threatens Arab national security as well as wider regional and international stability and peace.

Israel’s decision on 26th December 2025 to recognise the Somaliland region was firmly rejected by the Council, which stated that the region remains an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The Council referred to the Charter of the League of Arab States and the Charter of the United Nations when stressing that this recognition is invalid and lacks legal effect.

The Council described the Israeli step as an attack on Arab national security and an attempt to damage security and peace at both regional and global levels. It called for legal, political and diplomatic measures to counter the recognition, and reaffirmed full backing for Somalia’s security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity and its right to legitimate self-defence in line with international legitimacy.

Expressing full solidarity with the Somali position, the Council supported Somalia’s rejection of any actions that undermine its territorial unity or interfere in its internal affairs. It warned that the recognition could destabilise the Red Sea region, the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa, and it also rejected any efforts to displace the Palestinian people or to use Somali territory to implement aggressive plans.

The Council urged the international community, along with international and regional organisations, to avoid any official or semi-official interaction with authorities in the Somaliland region outside the framework of Somali sovereignty. It tasked the General Secretariat with coordinating with the Somali government, the African Union and the United Nations to design mechanisms that help maintain security and stability in the affected region.

The extraordinary session of the Council at the level of permanent representatives was held under the chairmanship of Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the League of Arab States. After hearing a detailed briefing from Ambassador Ali Abdi Awrai, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Council requested a report on developments for its next ministerial session.

With inputs from WAM