AU Calls for Revocation of Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has called for the immediate revocation of Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, the bloc said on Tuesday.

In a statement shared on social media, the AU body strongly condemned the unilateral recognition by Israel and described it as inconsistent with the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity upheld by the union.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland earlier this week following the recognition move, a trip that was strongly denounced by Somalia’s federal government, which continues to assert that Somaliland remains part of its sovereign territory.

The AU’s call reflects wider African diplomatic concerns over external powers altering the political status of regions within established member states without a broad consensus. Several regional governments have reiterated support for Somalia’s unity in statements following Israel’s recognition.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with de facto autonomy; however, it has not previously secured formal diplomatic recognition from the member states of the United Nations or the African Union.

The AU stated that it would engage with member states and international partners to uphold established norms regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity across the continent.