AUC rejects Somaliland recognition, stresses Somalia’s territorial integrity
By Cy Muganda, December 27, 2025The African Union Commission has firmly rejected any recognition of Somaliland as an independent entity, reaffirming the continental body’s unwavering commitment to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 26, 2025, AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern over recent developments relating to Somaliland and reiterated the AU’s longstanding position on the matter.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission rejects any recognition of Somaliland and reaffirms the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia,” the statement read.
Reaffirming AU principles
The AUC Chairperson emphasised the AU’s consistent position, grounded in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the respect for borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity.
“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 Organisation of African Unity,” the statement added.
Rejection of independence initiatives
The AUC strongly rejected any move to recognise Somaliland as independent, emphasising that the region remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
“The Chairperson of the Commission firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the statement said.
The AU warned that any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union.
“Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” the AUC warned.
The AUC Chairperson reiterated the African Union’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts to consolidate peace, strengthen state institutions, and advance inclusive governance.
“The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, as well as its full support for the efforts of the Somali authorities to consolidate peace, strengthen State institutions, and advance inclusive governance,” the statement concluded.
Somaliland’s recognition by Israel
The statement comes a day after Israel officially recognised Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia, as an independent state.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the recognition on December 26, 2025, signing a joint declaration with Somaliland officials under the framework of the Abraham Accords.
“I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Together with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration. This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump,” he wrote.
In response, the Office of the President of the Republic of Somaliland, in a statement issued the same day, welcomed the move.
“This recognition represents a milestone in Somaliland’s longstanding pursuit of international legitimacy, reaffirming its historical, legal, and moral entitlement to statehood. It further reflects the mutual respect and shared interests that have long underpinned the relationship between our peoples, and underscores Somaliland’s established record as a stable, democratic, and responsible partner in the Horn of Africa,” the statement read.