African Union Issues Warning To Israel After Somaliland Recognition
The African Union Commission has denied Somaliland’s recognition as a sovereign state, just moments after Israel acknowledged its sovereignty and independence.
On Friday, December 26, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf issued a statement rejecting any recognition of Somaliland and reaffirming the commission’s steadfast support for Somali unity and sovereignty.
“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 Organization of African Unity,” the statement stated.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission rejects any recognition of Somaliland and reaffirms the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty of #Somalia.
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) December 26, 2025
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has taken note,… pic.twitter.com/PKN5JIvIhP
The commission categorically rejected any movement or action that attempted to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, emphasizing that Somaliland was still an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The chairwoman warned that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty violates the African Union’s ideals.
He maintains that this risks setting a hazardous precedent that will have major consequences for African stability and peace.
In conclusion, the chairperson underlined the African Union’s support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
He also expressed the commission’s complete support for the authorities’ efforts to develop state institutions and consolidate peace, as well as the country’s efforts to advance inclusive government.
The commission’s statement came just hours after Israel formally accepted Somaliland as an independent state.
On Friday, December 26, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi signed a joint proclamation over the phone.
The Prime Minister announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 26, 2025
Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Sa'ar, and the President of the Republic of Somaliland signed a joint and mutual declaration. pic.twitter.com/M0AeTs5oxY
I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 26, 2025
Together with Foreign Minister Sa'ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration.
This declaration is in the spirit of… pic.twitter.com/WlZuN1HB5z
Israel said the move was inspired by the spirit of the Abraham Accords, initiated under former US President Donald Trump, and pledged cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health technology, and economic development.
Apart from the African Union, Somalia condemned the move by Israel, calling it an attack on its sovereignty.
Somalia was joined by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, Jordan, and Iraq, terming the recognition as a blatant violation of international law, a threat to stability and unity, as well as a violation of the United Nations Charter.
#Statement | The Foreign Ministry affirms the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s full support for the sovereignty of the brotherly Federal Republic of Somalia, and for its unity and territorial integrity. The Kingdom expresses its rejection of the announcement of mutual recognition… pic.twitter.com/02gC2d0Sy7
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) December 26, 2025
Statement | The State of Qatar categorically rejects the mutual recognition announcement between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/6PQ72kRs6S
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) December 27, 2025
Somaliland was formerly the British Somaliland Protectorate before gaining its independence in 1960.
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It became a sovereign state for five days before voluntarily uniting with Somalia, which was a former Italian colony. This union formed the Omali Republic.
In 1991, following the collapse of Somalia’s central government and a series of civil wars, Somaliland declared independence, seeking to restore its original borders.
Since then, it has maintained relative stability, holding elections and operating its own currency, police force, and passport system, despite lacking formal international recognition.
Its capital city is Hargeisa.
African Union Issues Warning To Israel After Somaliland Recognition
