The African Union Commission has firmly rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming its support for Somalia's territorial integrity. The statement came hours after Israeli leaders formalized ties with the breakaway region.
The African Union Commission issued a statement on Friday, December 26, 2025, firmly rejecting any move to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf underscored the AU's longstanding stance, rooted in its Constitutive Act, particularly the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 Organization of African Unity decision.
"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 said.
The commission stressed that Somaliland remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and warned that efforts to undermine Somalia's unity violate AU principles and could set a dangerous precedent for continental stability and peace.
The announcement followed Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland that same day, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi signing a joint cooperation declaration over a phone call. Israel cited inspiration from the Abraham Accords and promised collaboration in agriculture, health technology, and economic development.
Somalia denounced the action as an assault on its sovereignty, backed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, Jordan, and Iraq, who labeled it a breach of international law and the UN Charter.
Historically, Somaliland was a British protectorate before brief independence in 1960 for five days, then uniting with Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic. In 1991, amid Somalia's central government collapse and civil wars, it declared independence to restore its original borders. It has since maintained relative stability, conducting elections and issuing its own currency, police, and passports, though without international recognition. Its capital is Hargeisa.
For Kenya, the situation is delicate given longstanding political, economic, and security ties with Somaliland. The region has kept a representative office in Nairobi for years. While Kenya officially upholds Somalia's territorial integrity, its engagements with Somaliland have sometimes been seen as eroding Somalia's sovereignty.