Egypt and nine other countries condemn Israel's appointment of envoy to Somaliland

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, their foreign ministers denounced the move as a "flagrant violation" of Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. They expressed unequivocal rejection of unilateral measures that undermine state unity or infringe upon sovereignty. The ministers warned that this action violates international law, the United Nations Charter, and the African Union's Constitutive Act, setting a dangerous precedent that could destabilize the Horn of Africa and impact regional peace and security.

Israel appointed its first ambassador to self-declared Somaliland on Wednesday, months after unilaterally recognizing the region as an independent state. Former Israeli Ambassador to Kenya Michael Lotem will serve as a non-resident envoy. The League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also strongly condemned the appointment.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized and is considered by Mogadishu and the international community as part of Somalia.