The Pan-African bloc warns any move to recognize the breakaway region of Somalia risks undermining sovereignty, setting ‘dangerous precedent’ across continent.
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The African Union (AU) has rejected any move to recognise Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming its firm commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The bloc released a statement on Friday, saying the chairman of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf “unequivocally reaffirms” its stance for “respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence.”
It said Youssouf “firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
“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,” it added.
The Arab League condemns Somaliland recognition
The statement highlighted the AU’s “unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, as well as its full support for the efforts of the Somali authorities to consolidate peace, strengthen State institutions, and advance inclusive governance.”
Israel on Friday became the world’s first country to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state.
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The Arab League has also condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland with the
Secretary-General of the league, Ahmed Aboul Gheit describing the move as ‘‘provocative and a serious threat to regional security.’’
In a statement on Friday, Aboul Gheit said the Arab League completely rejects the decision, calling it a clear violation of international law and an infringement on the principles of territorial integrity and state sovereignty enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
He stressed that Somaliland remains an integral part of the internationally recognised Federal Republic of Somalia and warned that unilateral recognition undermines established international norms governing statehood and recognition.
Risks of further destabilisation
Aboul Gheit further criticised the move as coming from an occupying power that continues to violate international resolutions and commit daily abuses against the Palestinian people and neighbouring states.
The organisation called on the international community to uphold international law and reject actions that risk further destabilising the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring its breakaway from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity, with the central government unable to assert control over the region, and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.
The Somali government refuses to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, considers it an integral part of its territory, and views any direct deals or engagement with it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
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