The U.N. Security Council will convene an emergency meeting Monday as global backlash grew over Israel's controversial recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
Ahead of the session, 21 predominantly Muslim countries issued a joint statement late Saturday warning of "serious repercussions" from the Israeli decision on "peace and security in the Horn of Africa" and in the wider Red Sea region.
Somaliland, a Muslim-majority region in northern Somalia with a population of a few million, has enjoyed some autonomy for over three decades.
However, Israel on Friday became the first country in the world to recognize the territory's independence, drawing Somali and international condemnation.
The decision came just days before Somalia is due to assume the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council.
