AU condemns Israel’s Somaliland envoy amid regional stability concerns

The African Union Commission (AU) has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s reported decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to the self-declared state of “Somaliland,” reaffirming its unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia.

In a statement released on April 19, 2026, the AU expressed deep concern over the move, emphasizing that the Union does not recognize Somaliland as an
independent state.

The Commission recalled the communiqué of the 1324th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on January 6, 2026, which declared any unilateral recognition of Somaliland as “null and void” and warned that such actions risk undermining regional stability.

This condemnation follows reports that Israel appointed Michael Lotem, its former ambassador to Kenya, as its first ambassador to Somaliland around April 15-16, 2026.

This development comes months after Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland in Dec 2025, ending over three decades of diplomatic isolation for the breakaway region.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a devastating civil war, has actively pursued international recognition.
Its President, Abdirahman Mohamed
Abdullahi, lauded Israel as a “reliable partner” in February 2026, anticipating a forthcoming trade deal. Mohamed Hagi has also been approved as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel.

However, Somalia has vehemently opposed these developments. Its foreign ministry condemned Israel’s decision as a “direct breach” of its sovereignty and unity.

Somali officials, including State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar, expressed concerns about the potential for regional destabilization.
And the establishment of an Israeli military base in Somaliland, particularly given its strategic location across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthi movement operates.

The international community has largely echoed the AU’s stance. The UN Security Council, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the European Union have also condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

They highlighted the broad consensus against unilateral actions that could undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity and regional peace.

The African Union reiterated its commitment to supporting Somalia’s peace, governance, and national cohesion, urging adherence to int’l law and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.