The African Union has strongly criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, reaffirming its long-standing position that the breakaway region remains part of Somalia.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, an autonomous region in north-western Somalia that declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali state. The move has drawn condemnation from the AU and several countries in the region.
In a statement on Friday, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssouf, said the bloc had taken note with deep concern of recent developments relating to Somaliland and rejected any attempt to recognise it as an independent state.
“In this regard, 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 of the African Union, in particular the respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity,” the statement read.
Youssouf said he firmly rejected any initiative “aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity.
“Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”
He added that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” a position the AU says is shared by its 55 member states.
Somaliland, which has governed most of the territory it claims for over decades, has enjoyed relative peace and stability compared to much of Somalia. However, it has not received international recognition, despite sustained lobbying by its leaders. President Abdirahman Abdullahi has made international recognition a top priority since taking office last year.
Somalia’s federal government condemned Israel’s decision, describing it as an “unlawful step,” and insisted that Somaliland is “an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part” of Somalia.
The move also drew criticism from neighbouring countries. Egypt said its foreign minister had spoken with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti, and that “they underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”
The AU warned that Israel’s decision risked “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” noting that many African countries are grappling with their own secessionist movements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the agreement, describing it as part of Israel’s broader diplomatic outreach.
He said the agreement with Somaliland “is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” adding: “The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.”
Netanyahu also invited Abdullahi to visit his office.
Reacting to Israel’s decision, Somaliland’s president hailed it as a major breakthrough. Calling it a “historic moment,” Abdullahi said in a post on X that the agreement marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership.”
Meanwhile, the AFP reported that United States President Donald Trump said Washington had no plans to recognise Somaliland. “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” Mr Trump said.
