Nigeria and the African Union have called for respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity following Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland. Israel recently became the first country to recognise Somaliland, the self-declared autonomous region in north-western Somalia that declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali state.
In a statement, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Nigeria recognises the Government of Somalia as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people. She said Nigeria supports Somalia’s unity and commended its efforts toward peace, security and national reconciliation, adding that actions undermining Somalia’s constitutional order should be avoided.
The African Union also criticised Israel’s move, reaffirming that Somaliland remains part of Somalia. AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf said the bloc rejected any attempt to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, warning that such actions risk setting a dangerous precedent and undermining peace and stability across the African continent.