OIC-CFM reaffirms Somalia sovereignty

JEDDAH:

Foreign Ministers from the Islamic countries adopted two major resolutions on Sunday that condemned Israel's actions on Somaliland and Palestine, while reaffirming support for state sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened the 22nd extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Jeddah, which brought together foreign ministers of the member states to deliberate on developments affecting Somalia, Palestine and regional stability.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the high-level meeting. Addressing the council, Dar strongly condemned Israel's illegal and unlawful recognition of the Somaliland region as an independent state.

He described the Israeli move as a flagrant violation of the international law and a direct assault on Somalia's internationally recognised borders. He also denounced the subsequent visit by an Israeli official to Somaliland.

He termed the visit unwarranted, highly provocative and politically aggressive, with the potential to destabilise an already fragile region. Dar warned that such actions set a perilous precedent and posed a serious threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

"Disregard for sovereignty could have far-reaching global consequences," Dar warned. He reaffirming Pakistan's position that internationally-recognised borders of Somalia were sacrosanct and inviolable, and that Somaliland remained an integral part of the country.

"No external actor has either the legal standing or the moral authority to alter that fundamental reality," Dar said, adding that any recognition or statement concerning Somalia's territory should be considered null and void, producing no political or legal effect.

The deputy prime minister maintained that recognition of an integral part of a sovereign state was not a diplomatic act but an act of political aggression, threatening peace, security and stability across a strategically sensitive region.

Dar noted that Pakistan had voiced firm support for Somalia and condemned Israel's actions during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing, underscoring that state sovereignty and territorial integrity constituted peremptory norms of international law.

He said Pakistan joined other OIC member states in unequivocally rejecting Israel's move through a joint statement released immediately after the supposed recognition of Somaliland, reflecting collective Islamic opposition.

The joint statement, he explained, described recognition of parts of sovereign states as a violation of cardinal principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, warning of serious repercussions for regional and international security.

Dar stressed that firm rejection by the OIC and the wider international community was vital to prevent the Israeli action from setting a precedent that could encourage similar violations elsewhere.

He said developments in the Horn of Africa were particularly alarming at a time when Somalia was demonstrating tangible progress in national reconciliation, constitutional reform and revitalisation of state institutions.

Dar highlighted positive trends in Somalia's financial sector, economic legislation and efforts towards inclusive one-person-one-vote elections, describing these as important steps towards consolidating democracy and long-term stability.

"These gains reflect a Somali-owned and Somali-led path towards political reconciliation and cooperation," he said, cautioning that such momentum must be protected rather than undermined by divisive external actions.

He recognised the sacrifices and resilience of the Somali people and security forces in confronting threats posed by Al-Shabab and affiliated groups, stressing the importance of continued international support.

Dar warned that Israel's actions undermined regional and international counterterrorism efforts and risked creating fragile environments vulnerable to extremist exploitation, thereby harming global security.

Reiterating Pakistan's alignment with the OIC, Dar called on all states and organisations to refrain from any form of engagement with Somaliland authorities that did not strictly respect Somalia's sovereignty and unity.

Turning to Palestine, Dar categorically rejected any proposal or plan aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians, stressing that such actions violated international law and undermined prospects for lasting peace.

As a supporter of UNSCR 2803 and the 'Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict', Dar said Pakistan intended to contribute to implementation efforts to sustain the ceasefire, end the war and address humanitarian suffering.

Dar also raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, describing it as South Asia's primary conflict and a nuclear flashpoint, and urged renewed efforts under UN auspices for a just resolution. He appreciated the OIC's consistent support for the Kashmiri people.

According to an OIC statement, the council's resolutions conveyed a clear message on upholding sovereignty, rejecting Israel's actions, and reinforcing collective resolve amid a delicate regional and international environment.