The East African community (EAC) has broken its silence over growing tensions in Somalia and Somaliland, reaffirming its support for Somalia following Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
In a statement by the community's secretariat released on Sunday, December 28, EAC said it recognised the Federal Republic of Somalia as a single sovereign state under the authority of the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The community that includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, DR Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia, announced that it aligned itself with the position taken by the African Union as reflected in the Consultative Act of the union and decisions concerning the sovereignty of Somalia.
EAC also cited the treaty for each establishment, noting that it only recognised the Somali borders inherited at independence.
"In accordance with the treaty for the establishment of EAC, the community recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia with its borders inherited at independence," read part of the statement.
EAC also demanded that Israel respect the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, urging all stakeholders to act within established regional and international legal frameworks that relate to territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.
Their statement now rubbishes Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, an act that has since caused a lot of tensions in the region and the entire continent.
EAC's declaration comes hours after President Mohamud of Somalia held a phone call meeting with East African presidents, including William Ruto of Kenya, Samia Suluhu of Uganda, and Uganda's Yoweri Museveni.
In the phone call conversation, the heads of state reportedly assured their support for Mogadishu even as tensions continue to rise. Centred on the talks were also bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest and collaboration.
As the community condemned Israel's actions, celebrations took the better part of Sunday evening in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital, as citizens of the self-declared independent state held celebrations after recognition. The citizens termed the Israeli declaration as diplomatic and that they were now free from the war-torn Somalia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, December 26, declared that Israel had officially recognised Somaliland as an independent state, promising diplomatic relations and support on matters of economy, agriculture, and technology.
In a quick response, the African Union dismissed Israel's declaration, noting that the continent only recognised the Federal Republic of Somalia, warning that interference with its borders would lead to a serious security threat not only to the Eastern African region but to the continent at large.
Arabic states, as well as Islamic states, also condemned Israel, terming Netanyahu's actions as a serious threat to international law.
Though President Ruto and other EAC presidents have not officially released statements declaring their support for Mogadishu, the statement from EAC shows that the region is ready to stand with Somalia as the country intensifies moves to strengthen its borders and security institutions.
