The African Union Commission has rejected the recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, moments after Israel officially recognised its sovereignty and independence.
In a statement released on Friday, December 26, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf rejected any recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed the commission's unwavering support for Somalia's unity and sovereignty.
"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 Organization of African Unity." the statement stated.
The commission firmly rejected any initiative or action that attempted to recognise Somaliland as an independent nation, insisting that Somaliland remained an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The chairperson warned that any attempt aimed at undermining Somalia's unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty goes against the principles of the African Union, and this risks setting a dangerous precedent with serious implications for stability and peace across the African continent.
In conclusion, the chairperson reaffirmed the African Union's commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia. He also pledged the commission's full support to the authorities in efforts to strengthen state institutions and to consolidate peace, as well as the country's efforts to advance inclusive governance.
The commission's statement came just hours after the state of Israel formally and officially recognised the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi signed a joint mutual declaration via a phone call on Friday, December 26.
Israel said the move was inspired by the spirit of the Abraham Accords, initiated under former US President Donald Trump, and pledged cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health technology, and economic development.
Apart from the African Union, Somalia condemned the move by Israel, calling it an attack on its sovereignty. Somalia was joined by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, Jordan, and Iraq, terming the recognition as a blatant violation of international law, a threat to stability and unity, as well as a violation of the United Nations Charter.
Somaliland was formerly the British Somaliland Protectorate before gaining its independence in 1960. It became a sovereign state for five days before voluntarily uniting with Somalia, which was a former Italian colony. This union formed the Omali Republic.
In 1991, following the collapse of Somalia’s central government and a series of civil wars, Somaliland declared independence, seeking to restore its original borders. Since then, it has maintained relative stability, holding elections and operating its own currency, police force, and passport system, despite lacking formal international recognition. Its capital city is Hargeisa.
