African Union condemns Israel’s appointment of envoy to Somaliland

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union (AU) has condemned the decision by the Israeli government to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, stressing that the union does not recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

Israel’s action follows a visit by its officials to Somaliland on January 6, 2026, in what was described as a landmark diplomatic engagement. The delegation was led by Gideon Sa’ar, who met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and other senior government officials in Hargeisa.

The visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties, including discussions on establishing formal diplomatic relations and areas of cooperation. It marked the first official Israeli engagement with Somaliland at that level, signalling growing interest in deeper political and strategic relations between both sides.

The African Union, in a statement signed by Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, spokesperson to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reaffirmed its unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, in line with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law.

The AU also recalled the communiqué of the 1324th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council held on January 6, 2026, stressing that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is null and void and warning that such actions risk undermining regional stability.

“The African Union remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace, governance, and national cohesion,” the statement added.