Nigeria has joined the African Union (AU), Jordan, Algeria, and more than 20 other countries in rejecting Israel’s decision to recognise S...
Nigeria has joined the African Union (AU), Jordan, Algeria, and more than 20 other countries in rejecting Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, warning that the move violates international law and threatens peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, a self-declared republic that seceded from Somalia in 1991 after a civil war but has never been recognised by any United Nations member state.
In a separate statement issued on Saturday, Nigeria unequivocally condemned Israel’s action and reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The statement, signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stressed Nigeria’s commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all UN and African Union member states.
Nigeria stated that it recognises the Federal Government of Somalia as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people and condemned any action that undermines Somalia’s constitutional order.
“The Government of Nigeria urges international actors to desist from recognising any part of the territory of Somalia as an independent entity, as such actions would only escalate the crisis,” the statement said.
Nigeria also endorsed a joint statement signed by over 20 countries rejecting Israel’s decision. Several other nations, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have similarly opposed the move, while the African Union has issued a strong condemnation.
Arab, Islamic Countries Issue Joint Rejection
In a separate joint statement, foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Djibouti, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and more than a dozen other countries, alongside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an “unprecedented measure” with serious implications for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
The ministers said the decision constitutes a grave violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, particularly principles safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. They reaffirmed full support for the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and rejected any action that undermines its unity.
The statement further warned that recognising breakaway regions of sovereign states sets a dangerous precedent that could threaten global peace and security.
Somalia, AU Condemn Decision
Somalia has also strongly condemned Israel’s action, describing it as interference in its internal affairs. Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, said the move was unacceptable and vowed that the country would deploy all diplomatic means to challenge it.
“This will never be acceptable or tolerable to our government and people who are united in defending our territorial integrity,” Omar said, urging Israel to rescind the decision and comply with international law.
Saudi Arabia likewise rejected Israel’s move, saying it entrenched unilateral separatist measures that violate international law, while reaffirming its support for Somalia’s unity and legitimate institutions.
The African Union also dismissed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, cautioning that it could set a dangerous precedent across the continent. The AU reiterated its long-standing principle of respecting borders inherited at independence, stressing that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.
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