Overview
- The joint protest was issued May 24–25 by roughly 14 to 16 foreign ministers who called Somaliland’s announced mission in Jerusalem “illegal and unacceptable.”
- Ministers said the mission violates international law and United Nations resolutions and reiterated that East Jerusalem has been occupied Palestinian territory since 1967.
- The statement affirmed full support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty and rejected unilateral acts that would alter Somali territory or legitimize Somaliland’s independence.
- Somaliland and Israel have moved ahead with reciprocal steps after Israel recognized Somaliland in December 2025, with Somaliland’s envoy announcing a Jerusalem mission and Israel saying it will open a mission in Hargeisa.
- Governments and regional bodies have warned the dispute could heighten diplomatic tension in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East and complicate security cooperation near strategic sites such as the Bab el-Mandeb and the Port of Berbera.