ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has issued a definitive rejection of any diplomatic initiatives aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent state. In a strongly worded statement released following recent developments, the Chairperson expressed deep concern over the matter, unequivocally reaffirming that Somaliland remains an integral and inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Chairperson anchored his position in the foundational legal frameworks of the continental body. He cited the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the historic 1964 decision of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which mandates the strict respect for borders inherited at independence. By invoking these charters, H.E. Youssouf clarified that the territorial integrity of member states is a non-negotiable pillar of African diplomacy and that no exception would be made in this instance.
In his address, the Chairperson warned of the severe consequences that would accompany any violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. He stated that attempting to legitimize the independence of the northern region runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union. Furthermore, he cautioned that such actions risk setting a “dangerous precedent” with far-reaching and destabilizing implications for peace and security across the entire continent, potentially fueling fragmentation in other nations.
Concluding his remarks, H.E. Youssouf reiterated the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia. He pledged the Commission’s full support to the Somali authorities in their efforts to consolidate peace, strengthen state institutions, and advance inclusive governance, signaling that the AU stands firmly behind Mogadishu in preserving its national unity.
