The African Union has strongly criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, reiterating that the territory remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, the self-declared republic in north-western Somalia that announced its secession in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali state. The move has sparked widespread condemnation across Africa and beyond.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, said the continental body viewed the development with “deep concern” and firmly rejected any attempt to accord Somaliland international recognition.
“The Chairperson unequivocally reaffirms the African Union’s longstanding and consistent position, anchored in the principles of the Constitutive Act of the AU, particularly the respect for the inviolability of borders inherited at independence,” Youssouf said.
He cited the 1964 resolution of the former Organisation of African Unity, which upholds the sanctity of colonial borders, stressing that any deviation threatens continental stability.
“Any initiative aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity is firmly rejected,” Youssouf added.
“Such actions undermine the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia and risk setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching consequences for peace and stability across Africa.”
According to the AU, Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” a position it said is unanimously shared by all 55 member states of the union.
Somalia’s federal government also condemned Israel’s decision, describing it as “an unlawful step” and insisting that Somaliland is “an integral, inseparable and inalienable part” of the country.
The development drew reactions from neighbouring states, including Egypt, which said its foreign minister consulted with counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti.
According to Cairo, the countries “expressed their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or weaken the foundations of stability in the region.”
Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has maintained relative peace and self-governance for decades. Its president, Abdirahman Abdullahi, who assumed office last year, has prioritised international recognition as a key policy goal.
Reacting to Israel’s announcement, Abdullahi described it as a landmark achievement.
“This is a historic moment for our people and the beginning of a strategic partnership,” he said in a post on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move, saying it aligned with Israel’s broader diplomatic outreach.
“The agreement with Somaliland is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu said. “Israel intends to immediately deepen cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy.”
Netanyahu also disclosed that he had invited Somaliland’s president for an official visit.
Meanwhile, the United States distanced itself from the decision.
According to reports, President Donald Trump said Washington had no intention of recognising Somaliland, remarking, “We have no plans to do that.”
The AU warned that Israel’s action could embolden secessionist movements across the continent, noting that several African countries continue to grapple with internal conflicts linked to territorial integrity and state unity.
