AU condemns Israel's recognition of Somaliland

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned and rejected Israel’s unilateral recognition of Somaliland, calling for the decision to be immediately revoked.

In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the AU Peace and Security Council stated that the move raises serious concerns and threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and stressed that no external actor has the authority to alter the territorial configuration of an AU member state, describing such declarations as null, void, and without legal effect under international law.

The council warned that the recognition could undermine peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, weaken regional security cooperation, and set a dangerous precedent contrary to established international principles. It called on all AU member states and global partners to reaffirm Somalia’s unity, reject illegal actions that undermine international legality, and stand in solidarity to uphold African unity and regional stability.

The AU also urged its member states to support efforts by relevant United Nations bodies, including any collective action at the UN General Assembly, aimed at safeguarding Somalia’s territorial integrity. While encouraging continued dialogue within Somalia as the only viable path to resolving internal differences, the bloc reiterated its rejection of any unilateral actions affecting the country’s borders.

Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on December 26, drawing swift condemnation from Somalia and the wider international community.

Edited by CGTN Africa's Nyawira Mwangi