The East African Community and the African Union on Saturday rejected any recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and affirmed their position that Somalia remains a single sovereign country with internationally recognized borders.
In a statement issued in Arusha, the East African Community said it “recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia as a single sovereign state under the authority of the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
The regional bloc said it recognizes Somalia “with its borders inherited at independence,” and called on all parties to act in line with regional and international legal frameworks governing sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The EAC said its position aligns with that of the African Union, citing the AU Constitutive Act and previous continental decisions on the inviolability of borders inherited at independence.
The African Union Commission issued a separate statement rejecting any move to recognize Somaliland, the self-declared republic in northern Somalia that has sought international recognition since 1991.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said he had taken note “with deep concern” of recent developments related to Somaliland.
“He firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity,” the statement said, adding that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
The statement said that attempts to recognize Somaliland would undermine the principles set out in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, particularly the respect for borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by a 1964 decision of the Organization of African Unity.
“Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” the statement said.
The AU said it continues to support efforts by Somali authorities to strengthen state institutions, consolidate peace and advance inclusive governance.
The statements from the EAC and the AU follow reports that Israel has recognized Somaliland, a move that has drawn attention across the region. Details of the reported recognition, including its legal and diplomatic scope, have not been publicly outlined by Israeli or Somaliland authorities.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia more than three decades ago and has since operated its own governing institutions and security forces. It has not been formally recognized by the United Nations or the African Union.
