African Union and IGAD Reject Israel's Recognition of Somaliland

On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first United Nations member state to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This move was formalized through a joint declaration signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, described as being "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords."

In response, the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have firmly rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland. AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stated that any attempt to undermine Somalia's sovereignty risks peace and stability on the continent. He emphasized that the AU "firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia."

Similarly, IGAD issued a statement affirming that Somalia's sovereignty is recognized under international law. The statement noted that "any unilateral recognition runs contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Agreement establishing IGAD."

Somalia's federal government has also strongly rejected Israel's move, describing it as unlawful and reaffirming that the northern region remains an integral part of Somalia's sovereign territory.

The recognition by Israel has drawn criticism from several countries, including Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, all of which have expressed support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with its own government and currency. Despite this, it had not been recognized by any nation until Israel's recent declaration.