The African Union (AU) has reiterated its firm opposition to any move to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, maintaining that the region remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
In a statement issued on Friday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the continental body was deeply concerned by recent developments and renewed debate over Somaliland’s status. He stressed that the AU’s position is rooted in its founding legal framework and longstanding principles.
Youssouf reaffirmed that the African Union remains guided by the Constitutive Act, particularly the principle of respect for the inviolability of borders inherited at independence, as established by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
“The Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union,” the statement read, adding that the AU “firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity.”
He emphasised that Somaliland continues to be an integral part of Somalia and warned that any attempt to alter Somalia’s internationally recognised borders would undermine the continent’s stability.
“Any effort 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,” Youssouf said.
The Commission further reiterated its unwavering commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while expressing full support for the Somali government’s efforts to strengthen state institutions, consolidate peace and promote inclusive governance.
The AU’s position is consistent with decades of continental policy that has opposed the redrawing of Africa’s colonial-era borders, a stance aimed at preventing conflicts and secessionist crises across the continent.
The statement comes on the same day Israel announced that it had become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent nation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government plans to immediately expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health and technology.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described Israel’s decision as a “historic moment,” adding that the region would join the Abraham Accords as part of efforts to promote regional and global peace. He said Somaliland is committed to building partnerships, enhancing shared prosperity and fostering stability across the Middle East and Africa.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from regional and international actors. The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s decision and affirming their “total rejection” of the announcement.
Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre also weighed in, saying the country “categorically and unequivocally” rejected what he described as a deliberate violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
