ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” region, calling it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and international law, during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on Monday.
Speaking at the UNSC, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering and steadfast support” for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Ambassador Jadoon described Israel’s move as a “direct assault on Somalia’s internationally recognized borders,” stressing that Somaliland remains an “integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of Somalia.” He emphasized that no external actor has the legal or moral authority to alter Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Pakistan also highlighted that a group of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, including Pakistan, has jointly rejected Israel’s action. The joint statement warned that recognizing parts of sovereign states violates the United Nations Charter and could have serious repercussions for peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region, and beyond.
The Pakistani envoy noted that Israel’s recognition comes at a sensitive moment when Somalia is making tangible progress in political reconciliation, constitutional reform, and institution-building under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He pointed to positive developments in economic legislation, preparations for inclusive elections, and the ongoing transition of the United Nations presence in Somalia.
According to Ambassador Jadoon, the first phase of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) has been completed, with the mission scheduled to conclude operations by 31 October 2026. He warned that actions undermining Somalia’s unity risk reversing these hard-won gains.
Pakistan also acknowledged the sacrifices of the Somali people and their security forces, supported by AU-UN missions, in combating Al-Shabaab, stressing the need for continued international support for Somalia’s security and stabilization efforts.
Linking the issue to the wider regional context, Ambassador Jadoon expressed concern over Israel’s previous references to Somaliland as a potential destination for the deportation of Palestinians from Gaza. He said such actions reflect a broader pattern of destabilization and warned against exporting conflict to the Horn of Africa.
Pakistan unequivocally rejected any proposals involving the forced displacement of Palestinians, recalling that UN Security Council Resolution 2803 clearly states that no one will be forced to leave Gaza. The envoy reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and reiterated its backing for a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Ambassador Jadoon called on the Security Council and the international community to speak with one voice against actions that undermine Somalia’s unity, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to standing with the Somali government and people in their pursuit of peace and prosperity.
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