Israel faces backlash over recognition of African territory

West Jerusalem’s move endorsing the independence of Somaliland, which “remains an integral part” of Somalia, threatens regional peace, the continent’s authorities have warned

Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent country has sparked widespread condemnation from African governments, amid concerns that the move could undermine regional stability.

Somaliland gained independence from the UK in 1960, while Somalia achieved independence from Italy shortly afterwards. The two states were united as the Somali Republic in 1960 until Somaliland proclaimed sovereignty in 1991 following a decade-long civil war. The territory on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden has since established its own stable government, security structures, and currency. Since taking office last year, its president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has made securing international recognition for Somaliland a top priority.

On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a declaration recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state, making West Jerusalem the first government to officially do so.

Somalia, which still regards Somaliland as part of its territory, denounced Israel’s “illegitimate actions” as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, saying they could “exacerbate political and security tensions.”

READ MORE: Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland

In a statement on Sunday, the East African Community also condemned Israel’s move and aligned itself with the African Union’s (AU) position that Somalia “remains a single, sovereign state,” of which Somaliland is a part. The bloc urged all regional and international actors to support Somalia’s efforts to maintain peace, security, and stability within its borders, emphasizing that the stability of Somalia “is crucial… for the entire East African region.”

Earlier, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that Israel’s recognition “risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”

On Saturday, Nigeria joined several neighbors – including Egypt, Sudan, and Rwanda – in rejecting Israel’s decision and condemning any efforts to undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity.

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“Nigeria urges international actors to desist from recognizing any part of the territory of Somalia as an independent entity. Such actions would only escalate the crisis and should be avoided,” Abuja’s Foreign Ministry said.

Sudan’s leadership also expressed its “total rejection and strong condemnation of the Israeli occupier’s” recognition of Somaliland, stating that it violates international law and sets a “dangerous precedent” that threatens peace across the entire region.