Somaliland: Pak condemns Israel at UN

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland at the United Nations Security Council, calling it a "direct assault" on Somalia's sovereignty as multiple member states warned the move could destabilise the Horn of Africa and violate international law.

Pakistan's Acting Permanent Representative to the UN Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon stated that the recognition constitutes a "flagrant violation of international law" and urged the Security Council to reject all actions that undermine Somalia's unity and territorial integrity.

"Any action that diverts attention, weakens cohesion or fuels division is profoundly irresponsible," Jadoon said, adding that Israel's occupation of Palestinian land has been a central source of Middle Eastern instability for decades. "It is now exporting this destabilising conduct to the Horn of Africa."

Israel on December 26 became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state — a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia's longstanding opposition to secession.

Foreign ministers of more than 20 Muslim-majority countries issued a joint statement Sunday, rejecting Israel's recognition of Somaliland.

In his remarks, Jadoon highlighted the concerning nature of Israel's actions, stating, "Against the backdrop of Israel's previous references to 'Somaliland' of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a destination for the deportation of Palestinian people, especially from Gaza, its unlawful recognition of 'Somaliland' region is deeply troubling."

Reports had surfaced in March, indicating the US and Israel had approached officials in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland to explore the use of their territories as potential destinations for forcibly relocating Palestinians from Gaza.

Jadoon emphasised, "For decades, Israel's dispossession and occupation of Palestinian land have been a central source of instability and conflict in the Middle East. It is now exporting this destabilising conduct to the Horn of Africa, with serious implications for regional peace and security."

He also made it clear that Pakistan "unequivocally rejected any proposals or plans aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians," noting that a previous UNSC resolution endorsing US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan explicitly stated that "no one will be forced to leave Gaza."

Israel's announcement prompted widespread regional and international criticism, with statements issued by Egypt, Jordan, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, along with a collective statement from 20 Middle Eastern and African nations rejecting and condemning the move. Regional bodies and partners - including the League of Arab States, the Eastern African Community, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the European Union - emphasised the importance of respecting Somalia's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.