The African Union (AU) has issued a formal statement condemning Israel's decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized. The statement, released by the AU Commission, reiterated the continental body's position of supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.
According to verified reports, the AU's stance was echoed by the Somali federal government and a number of other African nations, including Djibouti and Egypt. They argue that the move undermines regional stability and violates the principle of African unity on border integrity established by the Organisation of African Unity, the AU's predecessor.
Israel confirmed the appointment of an envoy for "Africa and Somaliland" earlier this month, framing it as part of efforts to strengthen ties in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, which has its own government and currency, has welcomed the diplomatic engagement as a step toward greater international recognition.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between Somaliland's de facto independence and the international community's general adherence to Somalia's territorial claims, a position firmly upheld by the African Union.
