The African Union Commission has firmly rejected any initiative or action aimed at recognizing Somaliland as independent entity, recalling that this so-called land remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
According to the AU Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, while reacting to announcement of Israel recognizing the Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, took note, with deep concern, of this developments.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year.
The AU said, “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”.
The Commission reaffirmed the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in 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 Organization of African Unity.
While reiterated the African Union’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.
Meanwhile, Somalia said Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland is illegal, void, and a direct attack on its sovereignty while the govt rejected it as a deliberate attack on Somalia’s sovereignty, an unlawful action, null and void under international law.
