Saudia(The COW News Digital)The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an emergency meeting of its foreign ministers today in Jeddah to discuss the Somaliland dispute, following growing concern over recent developments related to the region’s self-declared independence.
According to a statement issued by the OIC General Secretariat, the meeting aims to reaffirm strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity in line with international law, the United Nations Charter, and existing OIC resolutions. The organization emphasized that preserving Somalia’s internationally recognized borders remains a core priority for the Muslim world.
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Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the emergency session was convened in response to Israel’s recent announcement recognizing Somaliland as an independent state and the subsequent rapid and provocative developments in Somalia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to represent Pakistan at the meeting, where he will reiterate Islamabad’s firm support for Somalia’s unity and security within its internationally acknowledged borders.
Diplomatic sources say the OIC foreign ministers will review the political and legal implications of the situation, assess its potential impact on regional stability, and consider a coordinated response. Member states are also expected to stress the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and in accordance with international norms.
Somaliland is a region located in northwestern Somalia that unilaterally declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Since then, it has established its own administrative institutions, security apparatus, and electoral system, holding periodic elections. Despite relative stability compared to other parts of Somalia, Somaliland has not been recognized as an independent state by the United Nations or any major international organization.
The recent announcement by Israel recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign country has triggered widespread concern in Somalia and across the Muslim world. Many fear the move could set a precedent that undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and further destabilizes the Horn of Africa, a region already facing complex political and security challenges.
Pakistan has consistently supported Somalia’s sovereignty and unity at international forums, aligning its position with the broader stance of the OIC. Islamabad has maintained that any changes to Somalia’s status must be decided through internationally accepted legal processes and with the consent of the Somali state.
Observers say the outcome of the OIC meeting could play an important role in shaping the collective response of Muslim countries and reinforcing diplomatic pressure to uphold Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. The discussions in Jeddah are expected to underline the OIC’s commitment to safeguarding the principles of sovereignty, unity, and non-interference among member states.
