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The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to unilaterally recognize Somaliland, calling the move illegal and warning that it poses a serious threat to Somalia’s sovereignty and the stability of the wider Horn of Africa region. The council said the decision undermines Somalia’s internationally recognized borders and violates core principles of international law and the African Union’s founding framework.
In a statement released after its 1324th meeting held at ministerial level on January 6, the council made it clear that it rejects any action that weakens the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, or stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It stressed that Somalia remains one unified state under international law and that any attempt to treat part of its territory as a separate country without consent is unacceptable.
The council urged all African Union member states and international partners to firmly reaffirm their support for Somalia’s unity and to reject what it described as illegal actions that go against both international legal norms and African Union principles. It warned that allowing such actions to stand could open the door to similar moves elsewhere on the continent, creating dangerous precedents that could fuel instability and conflict.
The statement further called on African Union member states to actively support efforts by relevant United Nations bodies to protect Somalia’s territorial integrity. This includes backing any collective action that may be taken at the United Nations General Assembly to address the issue. According to the council, altering borders through unilateral or illegal means directly contradicts the African Union’s Constitutive Act and threatens peace and security not only in Somalia but across Africa.
Council members and international partners expressed concern that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could destabilize the Horn of Africa, a region already facing significant political and security challenges. They warned that such actions could undermine joint security initiatives, weaken cooperation among regional states, and erode long-standing international norms that respect the sovereignty of established nations.
At the same time, the council praised Somalia’s federal government for its continued efforts in state-building and governance, despite ongoing challenges. It emphasized that internal dialogue remains the only acceptable and sustainable way to resolve political differences between the federal government and its member states. The council stressed that solutions imposed from outside or through unilateral decisions by foreign actors risk deepening divisions rather than promoting peace.
The African Union called on its Commission, working closely with regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community, to continue supporting inclusive political dialogue in Somalia. It said these efforts are essential to addressing the country’s political and security challenges peacefully and strengthening national unity.
The statement echoed earlier remarks made by African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on December 26, 2025, when he publicly rejected any initiative aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent state. Youssouf warned that such moves run counter to the fundamental principles of both the African Union and the United Nations. He also cautioned that recognizing breakaway regions without broad international agreement could undermine peace, stability, and Africa’s long-term integration goals outlined in Agenda 2063.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government, but it has never been recognized as a sovereign state by the international community. Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland has drawn strong opposition from Somalia, regional governments, and multilateral organizations. The move has heightened diplomatic tensions and raised fresh concerns about the risk of instability in the Horn of Africa.
The African Union said it will continue engaging with international partners to ensure respect for Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. It reaffirmed that Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity are essential for lasting peace within the country and for stability across the broader region.