Islamic bloc backs Somalia after Somaliland opens embassy in Jerusalem

Tuesday June 16, 2026

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (HOL) — The Organization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move illegal and a violation of the U.N. Charter and relevant international resolutions.

In a statement on Monday, the OIC General Secretariat said Israel, as an occupying power, has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem and that any decisions or measures aimed at changing the city’s political, legal or demographic status are null and void under international law.

The organization said the opening of the mission constituted a “flagrant violation” of international law.

The OIC reaffirmed its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and expressed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It called on the international community to take a firm position against the move and work to counter it.

The condemnation came after Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem following Israel’s reported recognition of the breakaway region’s independence.

Somalia’s federal government rejects Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty and says the region remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with its own government, security forces and election institutions, but it has not received broad international recognition.