EU Urges Respect for Somalia’s Sovereignty After Israel Recognises Somaliland

The European Union on Saturday stressed that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected after Israel formally recognised the northern region of Somaliland as an independent state.

Israel announced on Friday that it was officially recognising Somaliland, becoming the first country to do so since the region unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said in a statement that the bloc “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in line with its constitution and the charters of the African Union and the United Nations”.

“This is essential for peace and stability across the entire Horn of Africa,” he added.

The EU also urged “meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia” to address their long-standing differences.

Following Israel’s decision, Somalia’s government in Mogadishu condemned the move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty. Egypt, Turkiye, the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also voiced opposition.

Somaliland, which lies along the strategic Gulf of Aden, operates as a self-governing entity with its own currency, passports and security forces, but has remained diplomatically isolated since declaring independence more than three decades ago.