Arab League slams Somaliland office opening in Jerusalem

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has condemned the reported opening of a Somaliland diplomatic office in Jerusalem, describing the move as illegal and contrary to international law. In a statement, the Arab League said the move undermines the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia and violates international resolutions concerning the status of Jerusalem. The organisation called on Somaliland authorities to reverse the decision, saying the region’s future should not be shaped by external initiatives that do not reflect the interests of the Somali people.

Jamal Rushdi, spokesperson for the Arab League secretary-general, reaffirmed the bloc’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and warned against steps that could threaten stability in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Arab League said it would continue efforts to coordinate Arab and international support for Somalia’s unity and for the internationally recognised legal status of Jerusalem.