EAC warns Israel move to recognize Somaliland threatens stability of the Horn of Africa

The move to recognize Somaliland risks undermining stability in the Horn of Africa, the East African Community (EAC) said, rejecting Israel's decision and reaffirming support for the Federal Republic of Somalia's sovereignty.

In a statement from its Secretariat in Arusha, Tanzania on Sunday, the regional bloc urged respect for Somalia's unity and adherence to established regional and international legal frameworks, warning that unilateral recognition moves could further complicate the political landscape and security dynamics of the region.

The EAC, which includes Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, reiterated that it recognizes Somalia as a single sovereign state under its internationally recognised borders.

The bloc said it aligns with the African Union position on the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia.

"The East African Community recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia with its borders inherited at independence and urges all stakeholders to act within established regional and international legal frameworks relating to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states," the statement said.

EAC echoed the African Union's sentiments (AU), firmly rejecting any recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, and reaffirmed the continental body's unwavering commitment to Somalia's unity and territorial integrity.

In a statement issued on Friday, African Union Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed concern over recent developments relating to Somaliland and reiterated the AU's long-standing position on the matter.

Youssouf said the AU "unequivocally" opposes any initiative aimed at recognising Somaliland, stressing that the region remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The EAC and AU statements followed an announcement by Israel on Dec 26 that it had formally recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, the first United Nations member state to grant such recognition to the breakaway region, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

sharon@chinadailyafrica.com