Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The African Union’s Political Affairs Peace and Security Council called on January 6 for the “immediate revocation” of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Somaliland on January 6 on a trip that was denounced by Somalia, 10 days after Israel formally recognised the self-declared republic as an independent and sovereign state. “The (AU) Council strongly condemns, in the strongest terms, the unilateral recognition of the so-called ‘Republic of Somaliland’ by Israel,” it said in a post on X after a ministerial meeting.
Peace at risk
African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty risks peace and stability on the continent. The Chairperson 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 council warned that efforts to change borders by force or through unlawful means violate core AU principles and could set a dangerous precedent with far-reaching consequences for peace and security across the continent, particularly in the Horn of Africa.
A joint statement by more than 20 mostly Middle Eastern or African countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on rejected Israel’s recognition “given the serious repercussions of such unprecedented measure on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and its serious effects on international peace and security as a whole.” The East African governing body IGAD said in a statement that Somalia’s sovereignty was recognized under international law and any unilateral recognition “runs contrary to the charter of the United Nations” and agreements establishing the bloc and the African Union.
Fragile country
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during a descent into conflict that continues to leave the east African country fragile. Despite having its own government and currency, Somaliland had never been recognized by any nation until recently.