The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has called for the immediate revocation of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity.
The council adopted the position at its 1324th ministerial meeting on 6 January, chaired by Democratic Republic of Congo Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. It strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral decision in the strongest terms and urged reversal without delay.
Strong condemnation from AU
The council declared any such recognition null and void under international law. It warned the move risks setting a dangerous precedent that could threaten peace and stability across Africa, especially in the Horn of Africa.
The decision reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to the inviolability of borders, rooted in the 1964 Cairo Resolution of the Organisation of African Unity. It welcomed a prior statement by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf rejecting recognition of Somaliland as an independent entity.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali briefed the session, stressing no external actor can alter an AU member’s territorial integrity. Somalia views Somaliland as an integral part of the Federal Republic.
Israel’s historic step
Israel recognised Somaliland on 26 December 2025, becoming the first UN member state to do so. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the mutual declaration, framing it as in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
The move aimed to foster cooperation in agriculture, health, technology and economy. On 6 January, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Hargeisa for talks with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, calling the partnership irreversible.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 after civil war, operates as a de facto state with its own government, currency and relative stability. It seeks broader legitimacy but faces opposition from Mogadishu.
Regional and international backlash
The recognition triggered swift criticism. Somalia denounced it as an unlawful attack on sovereignty, warning of heightened instability and threats from Al-Shabaab militants.
Egypt, Djibouti, Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the step, citing risks to Red Sea security. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League echoed concerns over territorial integrity.
The European Union reaffirmed respect for Somalia’s unity and urged dialogue between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
The United States upholds Somalia’s territorial integrity while defending Israel’s diplomatic rights.
Analysts see Israel’s decision as strategic, eyeing Somaliland’s Gulf of Aden location amid Houthi threats from Yemen and potential security ties.
The AU reiterated support for Somalia’s federal government in state-building and counter-terrorism. It called on partners to reject actions undermining continental unity.
As the Horn navigates instability, great-power rivalries and piracy, the dispute tests the balance between self-determination and border sanctity.
