Bangladesh backs Somalia's territorial integrity at OIC
Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain
Bangladesh has reiterated its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia at an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calling on member states to strongly oppose any actions that undermine international law.
Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, speaking at the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, urged the bloc to categorically reject and condemn Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Somaliland,” saying such moves threaten Somalia’s unity and set a dangerous precedent. His remarks were confirmed in a statement issued by Bangladesh’s foreign ministry.
Hossain said Bangladesh fully aligns with the collective stance of the OIC in upholding respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and international legal norms, stressing the importance of unity and solidarity among Muslim-majority nations. He described the sovereignty of OIC member states as non-negotiable and warned that illegal and unilateral actions must not be allowed to prevail.
The extraordinary session was convened specifically to discuss Israel’s recognition of the self-declared “Somaliland” region and its wider political, security and legal implications for the Federal Republic of Somalia and the region at large. Several member states voiced concern that such recognition could destabilise the Horn of Africa and weaken the principle of territorial integrity enshrined in international law.
Hossain also emphasised that justice, multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter must take precedence over coercion and unilateral decisions in resolving international disputes.
Ahead of the ministerial session, a preparatory meeting of senior officials was held, with broad participation from OIC member countries to coordinate positions and draft a unified response.
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