Saturday December 27, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – The African Union (AU) on Friday rejected any move to recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state.
In a statement, the AU said the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, “unequivocally reaffirms” the organization’s long-standing position on the “respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence.”
“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 statement added.
The AU underscored its “unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia,” while reiterating full support for the efforts of Somali authorities to consolidate peace, strengthen state institutions, and advance inclusive governance.
The AU’s statement comes after Israel on Friday announced that it had recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been internationally recognized. It operates as a de facto autonomous political, administrative, and security entity, while the Somali federal government has been unable to reassert authority over the region.
The Federal Government of Somalia continues to reject Somaliland’s independence, insisting it is an integral part of Somalia’s territory and viewing any unilateral recognition or direct engagement as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
