The East African Community (EAC), the United States and the United Kingdom have joined the African Union (AU) in reaffirming their recognition of Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any move to recognise Somaliland as an independent state following Israel’s recent decision.
In a statement issued on December 26, the EAC said it continues to recognise the Federal Republic of Somalia as a single sovereign state, stressing that Somaliland remains part of Somalia within borders inherited at independence.
“The East African Community recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia as a single sovereign state under the authority of the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the bloc said, adding that it fully aligns with the African Union’s position on the matter.
The EAC urged all stakeholders to respect Somalia’s territorial integrity and to act within established regional and international legal frameworks, warning that actions outside these frameworks risk undermining stability in the Horn of Africa.
The regional stance was reinforced by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who expressed deep concern over recent developments relating to Somaliland.
“The African Union firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity,” Youssouf said, reaffirming the AU’s commitment to the principle of respect for borders inherited at independence, as established by the Organization of African Unity in 1964.
He warned that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s unity and sovereignty “runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”
The United States State Department also moved quickly to clarify Washington’s position, stating that it continues to recognise the territorial integrity of Somalia, “which includes the territory of Somaliland.”
The statement followed Israel’s announcement on December 26 that it would recognise Somaliland as an independent state. U.S. President Donald Trump later confirmed that Washington does not intend to follow Israel’s lead.
Despite maintaining diplomatic engagement with Somaliland on security and development issues, the State Department reiterated that such engagement does not amount to recognition.
The United Kingdom, a long-standing partner in Somalia and the former colonial power in northern Somalia, also reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity. British officials reiterated London’s commitment to the principles of sovereignty and unity in line with African Union and United Nations frameworks.
The European Union echoed the same position, describing respect for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty as essential for peace and stability across the Horn of Africa, while encouraging dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime, has functioned as a de facto state with its own institutions, elections and security structures. However, it remains internationally unrecognised, with Somalia and most of the international community insisting on the country’s territorial unity.
For African regional bodies, the issue extends beyond Somalia. The AU and EAC have warned that recognising breakaway regions could destabilise borders across the continent and weaken the legal foundations that underpin African statehood.
