Mogadishu, Somalia — The European Union issued a strong statement on Saturday regarding the recent decision by Israel to recognize Somaliland as an independent entity, calling for the respect of Somalia’s national integrity. This development has incited significant international backlash amid longstanding territorial disputes in the Horn of Africa.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland marks a historic shift, making it the first nation to officially endorse the breakaway region since its declaration of independence in 1991. However, this gesture has been met with scorn from various African and Middle Eastern countries, which view it as a unilateral alteration of borders that could instigate instability in the region.

EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni emphasized the bloc’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty of Somalia in a statement. He described the integrity of Somalia’s borders as essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. El Anouni also called for constructive dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia’s federal government to address their differences.

The Somali government vehemently condemned Israel’s recognition, labeling it an affront to its sovereignty. Officials in Mogadishu indicated they plan to take diplomatic and legal actions to counter what they termed as a deliberate provocation legitimizing Somaliland’s secession. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asserted that international norms were being violated, reiterating that Somaliland remains an inseparable component of Somalia.

Various governments and organizations have echoed Somalia’s concerns. Countries such as Egypt, Turkey, and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council swiftly denounced Israel’s move, warning that it could endanger stability in the Horn of Africa and disrupt the crucial Red Sea shipping routes. The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) reaffirmed that Somalia’s borders are recognized internationally and cannot be changed without mutual agreement.

Nigeria and additional Middle Eastern nations have also voiced their opposition, urging countries to resist the temptation to recognize breakaway regions. A joint declaration by over 20 nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation cautioned that recognizing such separations could have severe repercussions for both regional and global security. Meanwhile, the United States reiterated its support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, including the region of Somaliland.

Israel’s recent action is viewed as part of broader diplomatic efforts in the region, linked to the Abraham Accords, which have fostered new partnerships between Israel and several Arab and Muslim-majority states since 2020. However, despite these evolving alliances, no new Arab nations have formally joined the accords since that time, especially with the ongoing conflict in Gaza complicating potential negotiations.

Somaliland, which has operated as a de facto independent state for over three decades, is hopeful that Israel’s recognition will help lift its enduring diplomatic isolation and inspire other nations to follow suit. As the situation develops, the implications of Israel’s decision and the international response continue to unfold, leaving the stability of the Horn of Africa hanging in the balance.