The African Union Commission has issued a statement expressing concern over reports that Israel intends to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland.
The Commission warned that such a step could undermine established international norms on sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in relation to Somalia.
“The African Union Commission expresses deep concern and strongly condemns reports of Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to the so-called Somaliland, ” the statement read.
The statement comes amid renewed diplomatic sensitivity over the status of Somaliland, a self-declared region that operates with its own government but is not internationally recognized as an independent state.
In December 2025, Israel became the first country to recognize the Somaliland as a sovereign state, driven by strategic interests in the Red Sea and maritime security.
On April 16, 2026, Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, who previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya.
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AU Reaffirms Somalia’s Territorial Integrity
In a press statement dated April 19 2026, the African Union Commission emphasized that respect for internationally recognized borders remains a core principle of the continent’s diplomatic framework.
“The Commission reaffirms the African Union’s unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Somalia, in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law. The Union does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state,” the statement read.
AU stressed that its position is rooted in its founding legal instruments and broader international law, which prioritize the preservation of existing state boundaries unless agreed upon by all parties involved.
The Commission also reiterated its continued support for Somalia’s federal government.
Warning Against Unilateral Recognition
The African Union cautioned against any unilateral diplomatic actions that could be interpreted as de facto recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
Referring to earlier deliberations, the Commission highlighted concerns expressed at the 1324th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council held on 6 January 2026.
“Recalling the communiqué of the 1324th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council of 6 January 2026, the Commission underscores that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is null and void and warns that such actions risk undermining regional stability.”
This position reflects broader concerns within the AU that external recognition of breakaway regions could set a precedent that would affect other secessionist movements across Africa, potentially destabilizing fragile political balances.
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Commitment to Somalia’s Stability and Governance
The statement also reaffirmed the African Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting governance, peacebuilding, and institutional development within Somalia.
The Commission emphasized that its engagement with Somalia remains focused on strengthening national cohesion and supporting efforts toward long-term stability.
AU has historically played a key role in Somalia through peace support operations, political mediation, and institution-building programs aimed at reinforcing federal structures and improving security conditions in the region.
