African Union reiterates support for Somalia's unity, rejects unilateral recognition of Somaliland by Israel

By Sadik Kedir Abdu

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA)—The African Union's (AU) Peace and Security Council on Thursday reiterated its rejection of any recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, while also reaffirming Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The council issued a statement in which it "reiterates its strong condemnation and rejection of Israel's unilateral recognition of the so-called Republic of Somaliland" and demanded its immediate revocation.

At the ministerial-level meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, the council stated that "no actor has the authority or standing to alter the territorial configuration of an African Union Member State," and that any such declaration is null and void and has no legal effect under international law.

The strong-worded statement by the Peace and Security Council comes in response to Israel's announcement on Dec, 26 of last year that it had officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the sole country to do so. The move drew sharp criticism from across the region.

The council welcomed recent military gains against the al-Shabaab terrorist group and encouraged Somali security forces, supported by the AU mission (AUSSOM) and partners, to sustain operations to “more effectively degrade and ultimately defeat Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups.”

It urged Somalia’s federal government to intensify inclusive dialogue with federal member states and other stakeholders, noting that “divisions in the governance of the country complicate the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists and prolong the efforts aimed at stabilisation and state-building.”

The council also stressed the need for rapid force generation and for “sustainable, predictable, flexible and multi-year financing” for AUSSOM.