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Palestine and the African Union have rejected Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, warning that the move threatens regional security and undermines Somalia’s unity.
In a statement from the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, Palestine said it fully supports Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and political independence, and rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The ministry described the move as a threat to the security of the region and Arab countries, saying it supports separatism, violates Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, and weakens stability.
It said the recognition is part of Israel’s attempts to undermine international peace and security “as a colonial power,” particularly in the Middle East and Arab world.
The statement also said Israel has used Somaliland as a target country to displace Palestinians, especially those from the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Israel recognizes Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state.”
With the decision, Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland.
Somaliland declared unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized as a sovereign state by the international community.
Somalia considers Somaliland an inseparable part of its territory and says all international agreements related to the region fall under the authority of the government in Mogadishu.
The African Union also rejected any move to recognize Somaliland, reaffirming its commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a statement, AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the bloc “unequivocally reaffirms” respect for the inviolability of borders inherited at independence and firmly rejects initiatives aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity.
The AU said any attempt to undermine Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity contradicts the organization’s core principles and risks setting a dangerous precedent with serious consequences for peace and stability across Africa.
The statement added that the AU remains fully supportive of Somali authorities’ efforts to consolidate peace, strengthen state institutions and promote inclusive governance.
Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent political and security entity since 1991, but its leadership has been unable to secure international recognition.
The Somali government continues to reject Somaliland’s independence and views any direct engagement with the region as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
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