The African Union (AU) Commission has rekindled the continent’s campaign against Israel’s unilateral recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, calling on the Middle Eastern country to immediately revoke it.
It comes as the Israeli foreign minister paid a visit to Hergeisa earlier this week, almost two weeks after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially announced his country’s recognition of the enclave which is still internationally recognised as part of Somalia.
In a communiqué reissued on Wednesday, following a ministerial-level meeting that focused on the preservation of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and stability, the AU Commission said Israelis’ recognition of Somaliland as an independent state threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and stability of Somalia.
The continental bloc reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity and stability of Somalia, in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the AU, andthe Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the Union.
It said recognition of the northern region of Somalia ( Somaliland) as an independent entity, runs counter to the fundamental principles of the AU and the UN, setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent, undermining the progress towards an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa as envisioned in Agenda 2063.
The bloc said that no actor has the authority or standing to alter the territorial configuration of an AU Member State, and that any such declaration is null, void, and without legal effect under international law.
“Any attempt to alter borders by force, or illegal means to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of an AU Member State, contravenes the Constitutive Act and sets a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace, security, and stability across the continent,” it said.
The bloc called on all member states and international partners to reaffirm Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, reject all illegal acts undermining international principles, and stand in solidarity to uphold African unity, international legality, and regional stability.
It further urged member states to support efforts by the relevant UN bodies to uphold the territorial integrity of Somalia and any collective action at the UN General Assembly.
On Dec. 26, 2025, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, prompting immediate condemnation from Somalia and the international community.
