AU Pushes Back as Israel–Somaliland Deal Triggers Regional Diplomatic Fallout
The African Union (AU) has moved quickly to shut down any suggestion of international acceptance for Somaliland’s statehood following Israel’s decision to recognise the breakaway territory, warning that the move threatens regional stability and violates long-standing continental principles.
In a strongly worded response, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Youssouf, dismissed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed that the territory remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The AU said it was observing recent developments “with deep concern,” stressing that its position on Somalia’s territorial integrity remains unchanged.
“In this regard, the Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, in particular the respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity,” the AU stated.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, an autonomous region in northwestern Somalia that declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government.
The announcement followed a reciprocal agreement between both sides and was presented by Israeli officials as a diplomatic breakthrough.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the pact as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” adding:
“The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.” He also invited Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi to visit his office.
Somaliland authorities hailed the recognition as a turning point after decades of seeking international legitimacy. Calling it a “historic moment,” Mr Abdullahi said in a post on X that the agreement marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership.”
However, the development has drawn sharp criticism across Africa and the Middle East. Somalia’s federal government denounced Israel’s action as an “unlawful step,” insisting that Somaliland is “an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part” of the country.
Egypt also rejected the move, saying its foreign minister had consulted with counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti. According to a statement, “they underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.”
The AU echoed those concerns, cautioning that recognising a breakaway region could embolden separatist movements elsewhere on the continent.
“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,” Mr Youssouf said, reiterating that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
Despite maintaining relative peace and self-governance for more than three decades, Somaliland has never been recognised by the international community. Many African states, facing their own internal secessionist pressures, have consistently opposed any move that could weaken inherited colonial borders.
Meanwhile, global reactions remain mixed. While Israel has been eager to expand diplomatic ties within the Muslim world following the Abraham Accords, the United States has distanced itself from the decision. AFP reported that President Donald Trump said Washington does not plan to recognise Somaliland, remarking, “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”
As diplomatic tensions rise, the AU’s firm stance underscores Africa’s broader resistance to redrawing borders, even as Somaliland celebrates what it sees as long-awaited validation on the global stage.
