Wayne Lumbasi
The African Union (AU) has formally called on Israel to immediately revoke its recognition of Somaliland, warning that the move threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and risks destabilising the wider Horn of Africa region.
In a statement issued after a ministerial meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, the continental body said Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state violates core principles of international law, including respect for the territorial integrity and unity of African states .
The AU described Somaliland as an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and rejected what it termed “any unilateral actions” that undermine Somalia’s internationally recognised borders. It warned that recognising breakaway regions without the consent of the parent state could set a dangerous precedent across Africa, where several countries continue to grapple with separatist movements .
Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland in late December, becoming the first United Nations member state to do so since the territory declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The move was followed by a high-profile visit to Hargeisa by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, signalling an intention to deepen diplomatic and strategic ties with the self-declared republic .
Somalia reacted angrily, condemning Israel’s decision as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and recalling its ambassador for consultations. Mogadishu has since mobilised regional and international support, urging African, Arab and global partners to reject the recognition and uphold Somalia’s territorial unity.
The AU echoed Somalia’s position, reaffirming its long-standing policy of supporting the country’s unity and stability. The bloc stressed that the borders inherited at independence must be preserved, a principle enshrined in the AU Constitutive Act and regarded as essential to preventing fragmentation and conflict on the continent .
The recognition has also drawn criticism from the Arab League and several African governments, while discussions at the United Nations Security Council reflected broad concern over the implications for regional peace, despite some states defending Israel’s sovereign right to establish diplomatic relations.
Israel has so far given no indication that it intends to reverse its decision. Somaliland authorities, meanwhile, have welcomed the recognition as a historic breakthrough after more than three decades of seeking international legitimacy.
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