The European Union on Saturday urged respect for Somalia’s sovereignty after Israel recognised Somaliland as an independent state.
Israel announced its recognition on Friday, marking the first time a country has formally acknowledged the 1991 self-declared republic.
EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni stressed the importance of Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity under international law.
He added that respecting Somalia is crucial for maintaining peace and stability across the wider Horn of Africa region.
El Anouni encouraged meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia’s federal government to resolve longstanding political and territorial disputes.
Somalia’s government condemned Israel’s move as a deliberate attack on its sovereignty, calling the recognition a serious violation of law.
Egypt, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also criticised Israel’s decision on Friday.
Somaliland, a self-proclaimed republic, maintains its own currency, passports, and army, asserting independence without widespread international recognition.
The region holds strategic importance along the Gulf of Aden, making its recognition by Israel a potential geopolitical flashpoint.
Despite its unilateral declaration in 1991, Somaliland has remained diplomatically isolated, with few countries willing to challenge Somalia’s territorial claims.
