Following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on 26 December 2026, the weak and disoriented government of Somalia attempted to undermine Somaliland’s newly gained recognition. Acting in haste and confusion, it rushed to file complaints with the United Nations, hoping to pressure international actors into reversing the decision and these efforts, however, failed decisively. The ambassadors of the United States and Israel firmly rejected Somalia’s objections, refusing to entertain any attempt to roll back the recognition. As a result, Somalia was left diplomatically isolated, its protests unanswered, while Somaliland’s recognition continued to take effect, gaining momentum and public affirmation without any reversal.
Following its unsuccessful attempt at the global stage, Somalia mounted a second concerted diplomatic campaign aimed at Islamic states. It employed emotional and political arguments to persuade Muslim-majority countries, engaging in lobbying, formal complaints and pressure tactics and presenting Somaliland’s recognition as a challenge requiring collective Islamic action. Somalia sought to compel the organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to regard the recognition as a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while urging the formulation of a unified Islamic stance and careful consideration of appropriate responses. Nonetheless, these maneuvers could not alter the evolving realities on the ground nor undermine Somaliland’s steadily increasing international recognition.
On a subsequent, Saturday, 10 January 2026, an extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers was held to address the Israel–Somaliland issue.
The meeting took place at the Headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with representatives numbering fifty-seven (57) from different Islamic Countries.
The session was presided over by the OIC Secretary-General, Hussein Taha, who delivered the opening remarks and outlined the key objectives of the meeting, as it was intended to discuss Somalia’s objections against Somaliland’s recognition and explore the possibility of issuing a unified position regarding Somaliland’s recognition and the government of Israel. Yet, the outcome once again exposed Somalia’s limited diplomatic leverage following failure and deep divisions emerged among Islamic member states, with a significant number refusing to endorse any statement condemning the recognition of Somaliland.
In this sharp division within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation over Somaliland, 35 countries refused to condemn Israeli recognition, while only 22 supported the Somalia’s statement in which diplomatic sources have revealed an unprecedented division within the Organization as 35 out of the organization’s 57 member states refused to sign a statement condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a major move that reflects a notable shift in the positions of a large number of Islamic countries on the issue.
Besides that, only 22 countries signed the statement and declared opposition to Somaliland, confirming the absence of Islamic consensus on this act and the failure of attempts to impose a unified position within the organization.
Similarly, That absence of consensus underscored a broader reality as the Islamic world no longer speaks with one voice on the Somaliland question of recognition.
This division reflected a growing realism among many states, driven by national interests, regional calculations and an evolving understanding of political realities in the Horn of Africa and this also marked the moment when the historical basis of Somaliland’s legitimate entitlement to a seat at the United Nations was formally rediscovered and brought to light, revealing long-buried records and timelines that affirm Somaliland’s rightful international status as a sovereign state.
Among the Arab countries that declined to sign the opposing statement were the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia and Iraq, Despite reports that differ concerning Iraq’s ultimate stance.
This Arab abstention is widely viewed as a clear political message reflecting the declining ability to unify the Arab position on Somaliland.
There are, notably, several Islamic countries in Asia that chose not to join the condemnation statement, including Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and even Afghanistan under the rule of Taliban.
It’s more factual that Many intellectuals agree that this stance shows these countries are becoming more pragmatic and are moving away from traditional political alignments within the OIC.
On the other hand, an influential minority list of countries signed the statement included Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Iran, Algeria, Qatar and Kuwait, states described as the most hardline in rejecting any international move that could grant Somaliland political legitimacy.
Therefore, the OIC division has many serious political implications such as:
• That it reveals the erosion of consensus within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
• That it confirms that the Somaliland issue is no longer settled within the Islamic world,
• That it reflects a growing international conviction that political realities in the Horn of Africa are changing and that engagement with Somaliland is no longer a diplomatic red line, but rather as a matter of strategic and practical consideration.
• That it emphasizes that the failure to pass a unified statement against Somaliland signals a gradual shift in both international and Islamic sentiment, potentially paving the way for more open positions in the future.
Thereby, Somalia’s attempts, both at the United Nations and within the organization of Islamic Cooperation, highlighted a stark contrast between Somaliland’s advancing international position and Somalia’s diminishing influence of failed government.
The episode served as a clear signal that the regional and international landscape is shifting and attempts to suppress Somaliland’s aspirations through diplomatic obstruction are proving increasingly ineffective.
Somalia’s repeated attempts to undermine Somaliland have, time and again, ended in failure, humiliation and political defeat and in contrast, Somaliland has achieved full recognition, with its flag now proudly swaying high up in the sky by the will of Allah, Maasha’Allah.
But to those who oppose Somaliland, Somalia and their allies, clearly focus on your own priorities and interests, do not exhaust yourselves in futile opposition of Somaliland as national and international interests ultimately prevail, Somaliland’s journey toward full sovereignty has become irreversible, moving forward confidently as a purposeful and independent state.
We have already gained recognition, but what remains for us is to work diligently to produce food from our lands, elevate the quality of education, protect our environment, encourage inventions, guide our communities and youth toward good conduct and faith and safeguard our culture and dignity against harmful foreign influences.
To the leaders, particularly the president H.E Dr. Abdirahman,(the symbol of Recognition), I would like to advise that society, particularly Merchants, be directed toward the development and progress of the country, through agriculture, sustainable use of marine resources, mining, livestock care and all projects that serve our national developmental interests.
I would, also, like to profoundly urge my people and my recognized government to remain in preserving our unity, safeguarding peace and solidarity, rooted in brotherhood and patriotism, loving each other and the country, while advancing the development of our nation and the welfare of our people, especially the freedom fighters (Mujahideen) and their descendants, both those deceased and the living ones and prayers be offered for all.
“ O my people, rise and heed your welfare, guard your faith, serve your state, cherish the path of Islam, be sincere, stand against injustice and wickedness,…”
All praise is due to Allah, the compassionate, the merciful.
Prof. M. J. Robleh.
– Mujaahidka –
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