ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has "strongly" condemned and rejected the unilateral recognition of the "so-called Republic of Somaliland" by Israel and called for its immediate revocation.
The statement was made by the AU's Peace and Security Council in a communique issued on Tuesday, following a ministerial-level meeting that focused on the preservation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and stability.
The ministerial-level meeting stressed that no actor has the authority or standing to alter the territorial configuration of an AU member, and that any such declaration is "null, void, and without legal effect under international law."
The 55-member continental bloc further emphasized that such actions could threaten peace and stability on the continent, particularly in the Horn of Africa, hinder joint security initiatives, and set an unacceptable precedent inconsistent with established principles.
The AU council encouraged the continuation of dialogue within Somalia, saying it is the only acceptable and viable path toward a consensual solution to any differences that may exist between the federal government and its states.
On Dec. 26, 2025, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, prompting immediate condemnation from Somalia and the international community. ■
