MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – At least 15 Arab and Muslim countries have reportedly rejected and condemned plans by the Somaliland administration to establish a diplomatic mission or embassy in Jerusalem, warning that such a move would violate international consensus on the status of the holy city and further inflame tensions across the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.
Diplomatic sources said several governments within the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation voiced strong opposition after reports emerged suggesting that Somaliland authorities were considering closer diplomatic ties with Israel, including the possible opening of a representative office in Jerusalem.
The controversy comes amid increasing regional sensitivity surrounding the status of Jerusalem, which Palestinians claim as the capital of a future independent state, while Israel considers the city its eternal and undivided capital. Most Arab and Muslim countries reject Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war.
Regional officials reportedly warned that any attempt by Somaliland to establish diplomatic representation in Jerusalem would be viewed as a direct challenge to longstanding Arab and Islamic positions supporting the Palestinian cause and opposing the recognition of occupied Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
The Federal Government of Somalia also strongly opposed the reported move, describing it as illegitimate and inconsistent with Somalia’s sovereignty and foreign policy. Mogadishu has repeatedly insisted that Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has no legal authority to conduct independent foreign relations or enter into international diplomatic agreements.
Somalia has traditionally maintained strong support for the Palestinian cause and has consistently backed resolutions supporting Palestinian statehood at regional and international forums, including within the Arab League, the African Union, and the United Nations.
The issue has gained further attention following reports of growing unofficial contacts between Somaliland officials and Israeli representatives in recent years.
Analysts say Somaliland has increasingly sought foreign partnerships and diplomatic recognition as part of its long-running campaign for international recognition, which it has failed to secure despite operating as a self-governing administration for more than three decades.
The reports also come at a highly sensitive moment across the Muslim world due to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Public anger over Israel’s military operations in Gaza has fueled widespread protests and intensified opposition to normalization efforts with Israel in many Muslim-majority countries.
Political observers warn that the reported embassy proposal could deepen diplomatic tensions between Somaliland and Arab states while also worsening political friction between Mogadishu and Hargeisa over issues of sovereignty, recognition, and control of Somalia’s foreign policy.
The Arab League has recently reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and unity, while also reiterating support for Palestinian rights and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Neither Somaliland authorities nor Israeli officials have publicly confirmed a finalized agreement regarding the opening of an embassy or diplomatic office in Jerusalem. However, the reports have already triggered sharp reactions from governments, religious leaders, and political groups across the Arab and Muslim world.