Overview
- Foreign ministers from 23 Muslim‑majority countries and the OIC issued a joint denunciation of the January 6 visit by Israel’s foreign minister to Somaliland, calling it a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and urging Israel to revoke recognition.
- Somalia labeled the visit an unauthorized incursion, as hundreds rallied in Mogadishu on Thursday night; President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud rejected Israel’s move and urged talks with Somaliland, while Gideon Saar said Israel would open an embassy and appoint an ambassador.
- China’s foreign minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit Mogadishu on Friday to reinforce support for Somalia, as the United States maintains its stated position recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity, which includes Somaliland.
- The African Union called for immediate revocation of Israel’s recognition, with the Arab League, European Union and numerous states also condemning the step, and Al‑Shabaab warning it would oppose any Israeli presence.
- Somaliland and Israel have denied claims of military base agreements or plans to resettle Palestinians, and RFI reports Somaliland’s president is due in Jerusalem next week to advance the new relationship.