16 Arab and Muslim nations react strongly after Israel appoints ambassador to Somaliland

After Israel announced the appointment of its Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, over the weekend, several Arab and Muslim states reacted sharply, condemning the appointment as “a flagrant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty. 

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a public statement on behalf of the various nations: 

“The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of the Sudan, the State of Libya, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the State of Palestine, the Republic of Türkiye, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the State of Kuwait express their strongest condemnation of Israel’s announcement of the appointment of a diplomatic representative to the so-called ‘Somaliland’, which is considered a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia."

The statement also called the act “a blatant violation of the principles of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union,” saying it sets “a dangerous precedent that risks undermining stability in the Horn of Africa, which reflects negatively on regional peace and security as a whole.” 

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs later joined the announcement, stating that “Sixteen Arab and Islamic nations strongly condemn Israel's announcement of appointing a diplomatic envoy to the so-called ‘Somaliland.’” 

Ambassador Lotem, who just finished a three-year term as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and the Seychelles in August 2025, will initially serve in a non-residential capacity, according to a report in the Somaliland Chronicle. 

Israel recognized Somaliland in late December 2025, becoming the first country to do so since the Republic of Somaliland redeclared its independence in 1991. Previously, Somaliland gained independence from Britain in 1960, but merged with its southern neighbor to form Somalia shortly after. 

Since its separation in 1991, Somaliland has developed its own government, currency, and security forces. 

In a statement of its own, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it “has taken note of the recent joint statement issued by a number of foreign ministers regarding Somaliland.” 

“Somaliland is a sovereign state grounded in state continuity, having attained independence on 26 June 1960 and subsequently reasserted its sovereignty in 1991 following an unratified union,” it said 

Refuting claims of “undermining stability,” the ministry said, “Somaliland has demonstrated, over three decades, a consistent record of peace, democratic governance, and responsible partnership, contributing positively to stability in the Horn of Africa.” 

It further stated that “Continued denial neither alters the facts nor supports regional stability.” 

At the same time, the social media account of the Republic of Somaliland accused the 16 states of hypocrisy. 

Hypocrites!

Why don’t you condemn Al-Shabaab?
Why don’t you condemn ISIS, the Taliban, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, or Iran’s terror proxies?

The Republic of Somaliland is the ONLY peaceful, democratic, stable, and terror-free success story in the entire Horn of Africa.

Israel has… https://t.co/90AbApib4G

— REPUBLIC OF SOMALILAND (@RepOfSomaliland) April 18, 2026

“Hypocrites!” the post read. “Why don’t you condemn Al-Shabaab? Why don’t you condemn ISIS, the Taliban, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, or Iran’s terror proxies?” 

It pointed out that Somaliland is the only stable, peaceful, democratic state in the region. 

“The Republic of Somaliland is the ONLY peaceful, democratic, stable, and terror-free success story in the entire Horn of Africa,” it continued, calling the relationship with Israel “a genuine partnership.”