African Union Opposes Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland as Sovereign State

ADDIS ABABA — The African Union Commission has issued a strong rejection of Somaliland’s recognition as an independent nation, hours after Israel formally acknowledged the breakaway region’s sovereignty on Friday, December 26.

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African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf released a statement firmly opposing any recognition of Somaliland, while emphasizing the continental body’s steadfast commitment to preserving Somalia’s territorial unity and sovereign status.

The statement referenced foundational principles established in the AU’s Constitutive Act, specifically highlighting the sanctity of colonial-era boundaries as determined by the Organization of African Unity’s landmark 1964 resolution on border integrity.

“The Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act,” the declaration read, stressing adherence to the principle that borders inherited at independence remain inviolable.

The continental organization categorically dismissed any initiatives seeking to establish Somaliland as a separate sovereign entity, maintaining that the region constitutes an inseparable component of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The AU leadership cautioned that efforts to fragment Somalia’s territorial cohesion contradict core AU values and could establish a destabilizing precedent with far-reaching consequences for continental security and regional harmony.

The chairperson concluded by pledging the commission’s continued support for Somali government initiatives aimed at institutional strengthening, peace consolidation, and the advancement of inclusive democratic governance.

Israel’s Recognition Sparks Regional Controversy

The AU’s response followed Israel’s historic announcement recognizing Somaliland as an independent state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi formalized the relationship through a joint declaration conducted via telephone on December 26.

Israeli officials indicated the decision aligned with the Abraham Accords framework, originally brokered during Donald Trump’s presidency, and announced plans for bilateral cooperation spanning agricultural development, healthcare technology, and economic partnerships.

The recognition triggered swift condemnation from multiple regional powers. Somalia characterized Israel’s action as an assault on its sovereignty, while Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, Jordan, and Iraq collectively denounced the move as a flagrant breach of international legal standards and United Nations Charter provisions.

These nations expressed concerns that the recognition threatens regional stability and undermines established norms governing territorial integrity.

Historical Context

Somaliland’s contemporary status stems from a complex historical trajectory. The territory operated as the British Somaliland Protectorate until achieving independence in 1960. Following a brief five-day period as a sovereign entity, it merged with the former Italian Somaliland to establish the unified Somali Republic.

The region unilaterally declared independence in 1991 amid Somalia’s governmental collapse and prolonged civil conflict, seeking to re-establish its pre-union boundaries. Since that declaration, Somaliland has demonstrated notable political stability, conducting democratic elections and maintaining independent administrative systems including its own monetary system, security apparatus, and travel documentation.

Despite these functioning governmental structures, the international community has not formally recognized Somaliland’s independence. The territory continues to operate from its capital, Hargeisa, while managing its own internal affairs independently of Mogadishu.

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