The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move “unilateral and illegitimate” in a statement released Tuesday. The AU’s Council for Political Affairs, Peace and Security said the recognition violates Somalia’s sovereignty, the UN Charter, and AU founding principles. The announcement comes after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Somaliland, meeting with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the presidential palace for a joint press conference, just ten days after Israel formally recognized the self-declared region.
Somalia denounced the visit, describing it as “unacceptable interference” in the affairs of a United Nations member state. The country warned that Israel’s actions undermine international norms governing relations between sovereign states. The AU’s statement underscores growing diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa, highlighting the contested status of Somaliland and the broader challenges of international recognition for self-declared territories. Regional leaders have urged Israel to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and pursue dialogue through multilateral channels.
