AU Peace and Security Council denounces Israel’s North Western State of Somalia recognition, calls for revocation

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council on Tuesday condemned Israel’s unilateral recognition of North Western State of Somalia and urged the decision be immediately revoked, warning it threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa.

In a communiqué issued after its 1324th meeting, held Jan. 6 at ministerial level, the council rejected any action undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It called on AU member states and international partners to reaffirm Somalia’s unity and to reject what it described as illegal acts that violate international law and the African Union’s Constitutive Act.

“Any attempt to alter borders by force, or through illegal means to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of an AU member state, contravenes the Constitutive Act and sets a dangerous precedent,” the council said, warning of “far-reaching consequences” for peace, security and stability across the continent.

The council’s statement sharpened regional and multilateral pushback against Israel’s announcement, which has inflamed diplomatic tensions and added volatility to an already fragile Horn of Africa. North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, but no country has recognized it until Israel’s move, which has drawn strong opposition from Somalia, neighboring governments and international bodies.

Beyond condemning the recognition, the Peace and Security Council urged coordinated action across the AU and the broader international system to defend Somalia’s internationally recognized borders. It asked AU member states to support efforts by relevant United Nations bodies to uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity, including any collective action taken at the U.N. General Assembly.

The council also warned that unilateral recognition of breakaway regions could undermine ongoing security cooperation in the Horn and reverberate across Africa. Member states and partners said such steps risk undercutting joint security initiatives and establish a precedent inconsistent with established international norms.

At the same time, the AU praised Mogadishu’s state-building efforts and underscored that dialogue within Somalia remains the only acceptable path to address political differences between the federal government and its member states. It urged the African Union Commission, working closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the East African Community, to continue facilitating inclusive political dialogue aimed at peacefully resolving the country’s challenges.

The AU position mirrors remarks by AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who on Dec. 26, 2025, rejected any initiative to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent entity. He said such moves run counter to core principles of the African Union and the United Nations and risk derailing long-term regional integration goals under Agenda 2063.

The council emphasized it will continue engaging international partners to ensure respect for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. It framed the protection of recognized borders as a foundation for durable peace in Somalia and stability in the wider region.

Somalia’s federal government has sought swift diplomatic support to counter Israel’s move, and the AU’s rebuke signals the continent’s top peace and security body lining up behind Mogadishu. With the Horn of Africa facing overlapping security, humanitarian and political pressures, AU officials argue that adherence to continental norms on sovereignty and noninterference is essential to preventing further fragmentation.

The AU’s next steps will likely involve intensified diplomacy at the United Nations and within regional blocs to sustain a unified response. For now, the Peace and Security Council’s message is unambiguous: recognition of North Western State of Somalia outside a negotiated process with Somalia violates AU principles and risks destabilizing a sensitive region where stability remains hard-won and precarious.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.