Dalena Reporters l December 27, 2025
The African Union (AU) has firmly rejected any attempt to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in response to recent diplomatic developments involving Israel and the breakaway Somali region. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf issued a statement underscoring that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and emphasising the continent-wide principle of respecting borders inherited at independence, a core tenet of the AU’s Constitutive Act, warning that unilateral recognition could set a “dangerous precedent” with far-reaching implications for peace and stability in Africa.
The position comes after Israel reportedly became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state earlier this week, prompting backlash from regional and international actors including the AU, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who described the move as a violation of international law and an affront to Somalia’s sovereignty.
In its declaration, the African Union reiterated its support for efforts by Somali authorities to consolidate peace, strengthen state institutions and advance inclusive governance across the Horn of Africa, urging respect for territorial integrity and caution against actions that could undermine regional security. Somalia’s federal government has also publicly condemned the recognition, labeling it unlawful and signalling its intent to oppose the decision through diplomatic and legal channels.