Foreign Ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have adamantly rejected any actions infringing upon Somalia’s sovereignty, particularly the contentious memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Gathering for a preparatory meeting ahead of the fifteenth session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, Gambia, from May 2nd to 3rd, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development,” the Ministers emphasized the need to support Somalia’s governmental institutions and address food security challenges exacerbated by drought.
The agreement, offering a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland’s coastline for naval access in exchange for potential recognition of the self-declared republic, has sparked skepticism and alarm. Neighboring countries and international organizations fear it could destabilize a geopolitically sensitive region.
The communiqué also endorsed Somalia’s nomination of Ms. Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the term 2025-2028.
At the upcoming 15th annual Islamic Summit Conference, the OIC will address various challenges in the Muslim world, with a particular focus on the Palestine issue and the situation in the Gaza Strip.
