IGAD rejects Israel's recognition of Somaliland, says its unilateral

IGAD./FILE

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, warning that any unilateral move undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and violates established principles of international law.

In a statement on Saturday, the IGAD Secretariat said it had taken note of recent developments in the Horn of Africa, including announcements concerning the recognition of Somaliland by the State of Israel.

The regional bloc stressed that the Federal Republic of Somalia remains a sovereign member state of IGAD whose unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully recognised under international law.

IGAD said any unilateral recognition of Somaliland runs contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Agreement establishing IGAD.

The organisation emphasised that these legal instruments uphold the principles of territorial integrity, respect for existing borders and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

"The Secretariat reaffirms that the Federal Republic of Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD Member State whose unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are fully recognised under international law," the statement said.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime, has operated with its own government, security structures and electoral processes for more than three decades.

However, it has not been internationally recognised as an independent state and is regarded by the African Union and the United Nations as part of Somalia.

The Secretariat called on all international partners and stakeholders to adhere to international law and to support dialogue-driven processes that promote peace, stability and cooperation.

It urged countries engaging in the Horn of Africa to work within established multilateral mechanisms.

IGAD concluded by reaffirming its commitment to Somalia’s unity and to a rules-based international order, stressing that sustainable peace in Somalia and the wider IGAD region can only be achieved through dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law.

IGAD’s intervention comes moments after the African Union (AU) firmly dismissed any initiative to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

In a statement, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reiterated its longstanding position that the territory remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Youssouf said he had taken note “with deep concern” of recent developments and debates surrounding the status of Somaliland. 

He emphasised that the AU’s stance is anchored in its founding legal principles.

“The Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union," he said.

He underscored that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”