European Union Reaffirms Somalia’s Territorial Integrity After Israel Recognizes North Western State of Somalia

MOGADISHU — The European Union on Saturday said respecting Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity is “key to the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa,” after Israel recognized the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state a day earlier.

In a statement, the EU said it “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” in line with Somalia’s Constitution and the charters of the African Union and the United Nations. The bloc also urged “meaningful dialogue between North Western State of Somalia and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve long-standing differences.”

The EU’s position came amid a wave of regional and international rejection of Israel’s move, which Somalia condemned Friday as an act of “aggression that will never be tolerated.” Mogadishu formally demanded Israel reverse the decision, underscoring that North Western State of Somalia remains part of Somalia under international law.

Major multilateral organizations echoed that stance, reaffirming support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia. Those bodies include:

• The Arab League
• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
• The African Union (AU)
• The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Several countries also criticized the move, including Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China and Nigeria. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas likewise rejected Israel’s recognition.

North Western State of Somalia’s leadership welcomed the decision. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro hailed what he called a “historic moment,” writing on X that the step marked the start of a “strategic partnership” between North Western State of Somalia and Israel.

North Western State of Somalia, a self-governing region in the northwest of Somalia, declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime. Despite holding its own elections and maintaining separate security and administrative structures, it has not secured international recognition in more than three decades. Irro, who took office last year, has made international recognition a top priority.

Israel’s move immediately sharpened diplomatic fault lines across the Middle East and Africa and injected new strain into an already fragile Horn of Africa. The EU’s call for dialogue reflects wider concern that unilateral steps could escalate tensions between Hargeisa and Mogadishu and unsettle regional security at a time when counterterrorism, maritime security and humanitarian challenges demand coordination.

While Israel signaled an intent to deepen ties with North Western State of Somalia, there was no immediate indication of a broader shift among major powers or African states toward recognition of the territory. The coordinated statements from the AU, Arab League, GCC and OIC — along with individual capitals — reinforced the prevailing international consensus that Somalia’s borders remain intact absent a negotiated settlement.

The EU said it supports a process that brings North Western State of Somalia and the federal government back to the table. For now, Somalia has staked a firm position against any move it views as undermining its sovereignty, while North Western State of Somalia’s administration is treating Israel’s announcement as a breakthrough it hopes others will follow.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.