By Amir Muhammad Khan
JEDDAH: An extraordinary open-ended session of the OIC executive committee has strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral and unlawful recognition of the so-called Somaliland region as an independent state, reaffirming full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The meeting, held at the OIC secretariat in Jeddah, was convened to address the situation arising from Israel’s move. Pakistan was represented by its permanent representative to the OIC, Ambassador Syed Mohammad Fawad Sher. In his remarks, Sher reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Somalia’s unity and internationally recognized borders, describing Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a direct assault on Somalia’s sovereignty.
He said the move was particularly troubling in light of Israel’s earlier references to Somaliland as a possible destination for the deportation of Palestinians, especially from Gaza. Israel’s occupation and dispossession of Palestinian land, he said, had long been a source of instability in the Middle East and was now being exported to the Horn of Africa, with serious implications for regional peace and security.
Sher emphasized Pakistan’s categorical rejection of any proposal involving the forced displacement of Palestinians and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for their legitimate struggle for self-determination. He said lasting peace could only be achieved through the establishment of an independent, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Calling on the OIC and the wider international community to stand in firm solidarity with Somalia, Sher said the issue required a united and principled response. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué expressing unequivocal support for the Federal Republic of Somalia. It also took note of Somalia’s request for a further high-level OIC meeting to address the potentially grave consequences of Israel’s illegal action.
