ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move a violation of international law and a threat to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Israel’s announcement amounted to an attempt to undermine the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Islamabad warned that the decision did not only endanger Somalia’s stability but carried wider implications for the entire region.
“Pakistan strongly condemns any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia,” the ministry said, rejecting Israel’s recognition of what it described as the so-called Somaliland region. It added that such actions were illegal and provocative, and ran counter to established international norms.
PR No. 3️⃣8️⃣4️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Pakistan Rejects Attempts to Undermine Somalia's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity https://t.co/5rPk57Mu6G ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/kWRlBsDMXN
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 27, 2025The Foreign Office urged the international community to reject Israel’s move and to take steps to prevent and deter actions that could derail ongoing efforts aimed at peace and stability in Somalia and the broader region. Pakistan reiterated its full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, alongside international initiatives seeking a lasting political settlement.
Israel announced on Friday that it had become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. The territory, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, has enjoyed relative stability and self-rule for more than three decades but has not previously received international recognition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision was made in the spirit of the Abraham Accords and announced plans for immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and economic development. In a statement, he congratulated Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel.
Abdullahi welcomed the recognition, describing it as a step towards regional and global peace, and confirmed that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords. The move has raised concerns about shifting regional dynamics and renewed debate over Somalia’s long-standing opposition to secession.
Pakistan’s statement also addressed broader concerns related to Israel’s regional policies, reiterating Islamabad’s unequivocal rejection of any steps aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land under any circumstances. The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for self-determination.
Islamabad maintained its position in favour of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, a stance it has upheld consistently for decades.
The Palestinian foreign ministry said earlier that Israel had previously floated the idea of using Somaliland as a destination for the deportation of Palestinians, particularly from the Gaza Strip, a claim that has intensified regional criticism of Israel’s latest move.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates recalls that Israel had previously used the name Somaliland as a destination for the deportation of members of our Palestinian people, especially from the Gaza Strip. Accordingly, the State of Palestine affirms its total… https://t.co/DyAPGtmWHB
— State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) December 27, 2025Several countries and regional bodies have voiced opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Egypt, Turkiye, Djibouti and the African Union have all condemned the decision and reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkiye and Djibouti to discuss what were described as dangerous developments in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia’s federal government has consistently rejected any recognition of Somaliland’s independence, viewing the territory as an integral part of the country despite its decades-long autonomous administration.