The African Union (AU) Commission has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the continental bloc expressed unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law.
The AU does not recognise Somaliland as an independent state.
Recalling the communiqué of the 1324th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council of 6 January 2026, the AU Commission underscored that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is null and void and warned that such actions would undermine regional stability.
“The African Union does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state,” the statement read. “The AU remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace, governance, and national cohesion.”
On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, prompting immediate condemnation from Somalia and the international community.
In a ministerial-level meeting held on January 6, the AU Peace and Security Council rejected the unilateral recognition of Somaliland by Israel and called for its immediate revocation.
MG/as/APA