ADDIS ABABA — The African Union Commission has voiced serious concern and strongly condemned reports indicating Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic envoy to the purported “Somaliland,” reaffirming the bloc’s unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia.
“The Commission reaffirms the African Union’s unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law,” the statement read. “The Union does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state.”
Previous AU Peace and Security Council Position
The Commission referenced the communiqué issued during the 1324th session of the African Union Peace and Security Council on January 6, 2026, emphasizing that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is legally invalid and warning that such measures could jeopardize regional stability.
The African Union Peace and Security Council delivered a firm rebuke concerning Israel’s recognition of the Somaliland authority, declaring the action invalid under international law. In a statement issued from the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Council strongly reaffirmed Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, calling for an immediate withdrawal of the recognition decision made in December 2025.
The African Union underscored that no entity can modify the recognized territorial boundaries of the Federal Republic of Somalia, clearly dismissing any independent status for the Somaliland administration.
Background: Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
On December 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. In a ministerial-level meeting held on January 6, 2026, the AU Peace and Security Council rejected the unilateral recognition of Somaliland by Israel and called for its immediate revocation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the decision was in the spirit of the Abraham Accords. The appointment of Ambassador Michael Lotem, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, is the latest development from the rapidly growing alliance between Israel and Somaliland — a move which the African Union considers a disregard for the territorial integrity of Somalia.
Federal Government’s Position
The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly denounced Israel’s appointment of Michael Lotem as its first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland, describing the action as a direct attack on Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government emphasized that such actions contravene international law, including the UN Charter and African Union principles.
Sixteen Nations Issue Joint Condemnation
The ministers described the move as “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia” and reaffirmed their “unequivocal rejection of all unilateral measures that undermine the unity of states or infringe upon their sovereignty.”
“They underscore their firm and unwavering support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, as well as for its legitimate state institutions, being the sole representative of the will of the Somali people,” the statement read.
International Support for Somalia’s Territorial Integrity
Egypt and Djibouti have both expressed their willingness to support the newly approved African Union mission in Somalia, known as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, while Djibouti, which already contributes troops to the current mission, has also shown readiness to continue its support under AUSSOM.
AU’s Commitment to Somalia
The African Union remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace efforts, governance structures, and national unity. The AU’s position represents a clear rejection of unilateral measures that jeopardize regional peace and reinforces the global consensus on Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Somalia has demanded Israel to immediately withdraw the appointment and has appealed to the international community, including the UN, Arab League, African Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and European Union, to oppose any measures jeopardizing the unity of the Somali Republic or attempting to legitimize secessionist movements.
