African Union Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

December 2025 — In a move that’s igniting global diplomatic tension, Israel officially recognized Somaliland as a sovereign nation, making it the first country to do so since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The decision was quickly condemned by the African Union (AU), Somalia, and a growing number of regional and international actors.

What Happened?

Israel’s recognition was announced on December 26th, 2025, following a closed-door meeting with Somaliland officials in Jerusalem. The move was framed as a strategic shift aimed at increasing Israel’s influence across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea trade corridor.

AP News reported that the recognition triggered swift backlash, with Somalia declaring the act a violation of international law and its constitutional sovereignty. The African Union quickly followed suit, warning that unilateral recognition undermines continental unity and peace efforts.

AU’s Official Position

The AU Commission Chairperson reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity, referencing the Constitutive Act which prohibits the recognition of breakaway territories that threaten post-colonial borders. In a statement, the AU called Israel’s move “destabilizing” and a “breach of international norms.”

Egypt, Algeria, and Djibouti echoed the AU’s stance, urging an emergency session of the Peace and Security Council to address the geopolitical consequences. Egypt’s foreign ministry described the recognition as a “reckless act.”

Somalia’s Response

The Federal Government of Somalia responded firmly, stating that Somaliland remains a legally defined part of the Somali Republic. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of attempting to sow division in East Africa for strategic gain.

“Somalia will resist all foreign efforts to divide our people and destabilize the Horn of Africa,” Barre said during a national press briefing in Mogadishu. Somalia has since recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv and is lobbying the United Nations to intervene diplomatically.

Reactions in Somaliland

In contrast, leaders in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, welcomed the recognition. President Muse Bihi Abdi praised Israel for its “courage to acknowledge the reality on the ground.” Protests and celebrations were reported across the region as citizens reacted to the historic announcement.

However, analysts warn that while the symbolic victory boosts Somaliland’s international visibility, it may provoke tensions with neighbors and complicate future diplomatic efforts for broader recognition.

Geopolitical Implications

Israel’s pivot toward Somaliland is widely viewed as part of a larger effort to secure maritime influence in the Red Sea, where global powers — including China, the U.S., and UAE — are competing for access and alliances.

Critics argue this development could embolden other breakaway regions, strain AU unity, and trigger renewed instability across East Africa. Some security experts also point to the risk of escalated proxy conflicts involving non-African powers.

Conclusion

The situation remains volatile. As the African Union doubles down on its commitment to Somali sovereignty, the international community faces a complex choice: support continental cohesion — or shift toward realpolitik and selective diplomacy.

The AU's strong stance makes one thing clear — the continent will not accept externally imposed redrawing of African borders.

Written by the Bantu Times editorial team.