Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt reaffirms support for Somalia’s unity
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, delivered Egypt’s official statement on Saturday, during the extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), convened in Jeddah.
In his address, Dr. Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, as well as to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Dr. Abdelatty categorically rejected and strongly condemned any unilateral and unlawful recognition of the so-called ‘Somaliland,’ stressing that such steps are a blatant violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, OIC and Arab League principles, and the founding laws of the African Union. He highlighted that upholding the sovereignty and territorial boundaries of states, and refraining from interfering in their internal affairs, remain fundamental principles of the international community.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister warned that any such illegal actions not only threaten Somalia’s unity and stability but also set a dangerous precedent, undermining the international system that respects established borders. Dr. Abdelatty expressed particular concern over the timing of recent Israeli recognition of Somaliland, noting that Somalia is currently navigating a sensitive period that requires strong international support to complete its institution-building process and reconsolidate national control.
He further emphasized the urgent need for reinforcing an inclusive political process in Somalia, empowering the Somali government in its fight against terrorism, and fostering comprehensive Somali-Somali dialogue. According to Dr. Abdelatty, these tracks are the only legitimate means to address internal challenges and secure sustainable peace and prosperity for the Somali people.
Dr. Abdelatty lauded the clear and robust stances of many OIC member states, the League of Arab States, and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, all of whom have rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming their commitment to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Egypt, he asserted, stands ready to support collective OIC and Muslim Group initiatives aimed at defending Somalia’s sovereignty and opposing any attempts to impose an illegitimate reality on the ground. He reiterated Egypt’s role as a proactive member committed to advancing constructive actions that serve the interests of all OIC countries, in line with international law and the United Nations Charter.
Turning to the Palestinian question, the minister reaffirmed Egypt’s firm support for OIC-backed resolutions defending the Palestinian cause and the daily suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Dr. Abdelatty unequivocally rejected any efforts to use Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland to further unlawful schemes, including forced displacement of Palestinians or deepening divisions in Gaza.
He renewed Egypt’s steadfast and enduring support for the Palestinian people’s right to full sovereignty over their land, referencing relevant international laws and UN resolutions. Dr. Abdelatty welcomed the efforts made by the U.S. President to halt hostilities in Gaza and called for the immediate implementation of the next phase of the plan—including upholding the ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian relief, initiating recovery and reconstruction efforts, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Emphasizing the path to true international peace and security, Dr. Abdelatty concluded, “The only viable solution lies in establishing an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to international legitimacy, international law, and the Arab Peace Initiative.”