BRUSSELS / MOGADISHU — The European Union has reaffirmed its strong support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move that has triggered widespread international criticism.
In a statement issued on Saturday, EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” stressing that this principle is essential for peace and stability across the Horn of Africa. The EU said its position aligns with Somalia’s constitution as well as the charters of the African Union and the United Nations.
Israel announced the recognition on December 26, 2025, becoming the first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has never gained international recognition. The decision has been met with sharp opposition from African, Arab, and Muslim-majority countries, as well as major regional and international organizations.
The EU also urged “meaningful dialogue” between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve their long-standing political differences through peaceful and lawful means.
Somalia’s government reacted strongly, condemning Israel’s move as an illegal act and a direct violation of its sovereignty. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Israel of breaching international norms and insisted that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia. Mogadishu has said it will pursue diplomatic and legal measures to counter what it described as an unlawful attempt to legitimize secession.
A broad wave of international rejection followed Israel’s announcement. The African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) all reiterated their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and warned against unilateral actions that could destabilize the region. Countries including Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan, Iran, China, and Nigeria also issued statements condemning the recognition.
The United States said it continues to recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity, including Somaliland. A joint declaration by more than 20 countries and the OIC warned of serious repercussions for regional and global security if Somalia’s borders are undermined.
Israel has framed its decision as part of broader diplomatic outreach inspired by the Abraham Accords. Somaliland authorities, meanwhile, welcomed the move, with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro describing it as a historic step toward ending decades of diplomatic isolation and encouraging other countries to follow suit.
Despite Somaliland’s functioning institutions and de facto self-rule for more than three decades, the international community continues to largely view the region as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, underscoring the growing diplomatic isolation of Israel’s position on the issue.
