By Bellow Sani l May 21, 2026
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned reports that Somaliland intends to open an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, describing the move as illegal and a violation of international law as tensions continue to rise over the diplomatic development.
In a statement issued by its General Secretariat, the OIC expressed “grave concern and strong condemnation” over the reported plan by the self-declared Somaliland region to establish what it described as a “so-called embassy” in Jerusalem. The organization said the move would represent a “flagrant defiance” of the international community and violate principles contained in the United Nations Charter and relevant UN resolutions.
The controversy follows recent announcements indicating that Somaliland and Israel were moving toward establishing formal diplomatic relations, including reciprocal diplomatic missions in Jerusalem and Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital. Somaliland’s envoy to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, reportedly stated that the two sides planned to deepen political and strategic cooperation after Israel formally recognized Somaliland in late 2025.
The OIC accused Israel of attempting to secure recognition from internationally unrecognized entities in an effort to strengthen what it called Israel’s “purported sovereignty” over Jerusalem. The organization reiterated that East Jerusalem remains occupied territory under international law and emphasized that Israel has no legal sovereignty over the city.
The 57-member Islamic bloc also reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, stressing that Somaliland remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia despite operating autonomously since declaring independence in 1991.
Somaliland has spent decades seeking international recognition and has built separate governmental institutions, conducted elections, and maintained relative stability compared to many parts of Somalia. However, until Israel’s recognition in December 2025, no United Nations member state had formally recognized Somaliland as an independent country.
The issue of Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive subjects in international diplomacy. Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state, while Israel considers the entire city its capital. Most countries continue to maintain embassies in Tel Aviv because of the disputed status of Jerusalem under international law.
The OIC called on countries around the world to reject Somaliland’s proposed embassy move and oppose any effort to grant international legitimacy to what it described as an unrecognized separatist entity. The organization also urged the international community to pressure Israel to comply with international resolutions concerning Jerusalem and Palestinian territories.