Fri, September 18, 2026
New York (Web Desk): Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned Israel’s move to recognize the “Somaliland” region, calling it a blatant violation of Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and warning that such a step could destabilize the Horn of Africa while weakening Mogadishu’s sovereignty and political cohesion.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) meeting convened to discuss recent developments concerning “Somaliland” and Israel’s recognition of the region, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, underscored tha
“The ‘Somaliland’ region remains an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of Somalia. No external actor has either the legal standing or the moral authority to alter that fundamental reality.”
He cautioned that “Any action that diverts attention, weakens cohesion or fuels division is profoundly irresponsible.”
The Pakistani envoy said Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory has long been a key driver of instability in the Middle East, adding that this pattern of behavior is now spreading beyond the region.
“It is now exporting this destabilizing conduct to the Horn of Africa,” he told the Council. Most participants in the debate condemned Israel’s decision in strong terms, while only Israel and the United States spoke in its support.
Defending Israel’s position, United States Deputy Permanent Representative Tammy Bruce said Israel “has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign State.”
She added, “We have no announcement to make regarding US recognition of ‘Somaliland’ and there has been no change in American policy.”
Israel’s announcement prompted widespread opposition across regions, including a joint declaration by 20 countries from the Middle East, Asia and Africa rejecting and condemning the move, a statement to which Pakistan is a signatory.
Several regional and international bodies — including the League of Arab States, the East African Community, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the European Union — also reiterated their commitment to respecting Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his address, Ambassador Jadoon reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering and steadfast” support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
He pointed to recent progress made by Somalia under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, highlighting advances in national reconciliation, constitutional reform and the strengthening of state institutions.
He also noted encouraging developments in the financial sector, including work on economic legislation and preparations for inclusive, one-person-one-vote elections, describing these as meaningful steps toward democratic consolidation and stability.
He further said that the two-year, phased transition of the United Nations presence in Somalia is advancing smoothly.
Responsibilities under the first phase of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia have been handed over, while the roadmap for the second and final phase has been completed, with the mission scheduled to conclude operations on October 31, 2026.
“This positive momentum must be protected and reinforced, not undermined by actions that risk fragmenting the country and reversing hard-won progress,” he stressed.
Pakistan, the envoy added, also recognizes the sacrifices and resilience shown by the Somali people and their security forces, backed by AU-UN missions, in confronting the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab and its affiliates.
He reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for Somalia’s security sector and stabilization efforts, warning that “At this pivotal juncture, when Somalia is focused on defeating extremism, any action that diverts attention, weakens cohesion, or fuels division is profoundly irresponsible.”
Ambassador Jadoon described Israel’s recognition of “Somaliland” as “deeply troubling,” particularly in light of earlier Israeli references to the region as a possible destination for the deportation of Palestinians, especially from Gaza.
Pakistan, he said, unequivocally rejects any proposals involving the forced displacement of Palestinians, recalling that Security Council Resolution 2803, which endorsed US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza conflict, clearly states that “no one will be forced to leave Gaza.”
“Any actions that advocate or imply displacement or resettlement not only violate international law but also undermine the prospect of a just and lasting peace,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s firm backing of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, Ambassador Jadoon stressed, “The only path to lasting peace and stability lies in the realization of an independent, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”
Earlier, Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Abukar Dahir Osman, also speaking on behalf of Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, condemned Israel’s recognition of what he termed “so-called ‘Somaliland’,” describing it as a “flagrant assault” on Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
He said the region is legally incapable of entering into agreements with other states, rendering any such arrangements “null and void” and in violation of the UN Charter, African Union principles and international law.
The Somali envoy said the move was intended to encourage Somalia’s fragmentation and urged all member states to condemn it “unequivocally.”
Referring to reports of official statements suggesting the relocation of Palestinians, he also rejected “any attempt by Israel to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza to the north-west region of Somalia,” adding, “This utter disdain for law and morality must stop now.”
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