The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to deploy a diplomatic envoy to the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The AU criticized Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and its subsequent decision to establish a diplomatic presence, reaffirming its commitment to Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.
In a statement issued on April 19, 2026, the AU condemned Israel’s move, citing its “unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, in accordance with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law.”
Calling the unilateral recognition “null and void,” the AU warned that such actions could cause regional instability.
Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory, described Israel’s actions as “foreign aggression.” Israel’s recognition of Somaliland last December has begun reshaping regional alliances, forcing countries to take sides between Somaliland and Somalia.
