OIC Condemns Somaliland's Jerusalem Embassy Plan

Key facts

• The OIC declared Somaliland's new embassy in Jerusalem illegal.
• Somaliland opened its embassy in Jerusalem after Israel recognized its independence.
• Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• Somalia condemned the move as a violation of its sovereignty.
• The Palestinian Authority also condemned the embassy opening.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has declared Somaliland's new embassy in Jerusalem illegal, stating it violates UN resolutions and Israel's sovereignty. The move follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland's independence in December, a decision that drew widespread criticism from regional and international bodies. Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi inaugurated the diplomatic mission in West Jerusalem during an official visit, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu praised the move, drawing parallels to Somaliland's quest for recognition. Somalia, however, condemned the establishment of the embassy as a violation of its sovereignty. The Palestinian Authority also denounced the opening as a flagrant violation of international law.