NEW YORK, United Nations – The Republic of Sierra Leone has issued a forceful condemnation of Israel’s recent diplomatic activities in the Horn of Africa, characterizing the recognition of the Somaliland region as unwarranted “interference” in the internal affairs of a sovereign state. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday, the West African nation reaffirmed its absolute support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Delivering the national statement during an urgent open briefing convened to address the crisis, Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative, H.E. Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, aligned his country’s position with the broader African consensus. As a member of the “A3 Plus” bloc—which includes Algeria, Guyana, and Mozambique—Freetown emphasized that the sanctity of territorial integrity constitutes the bedrock of the United Nations Charter and must be respected by all member states without exception.
Ambassador Kanu argued that the borders of the Federal Republic of Somalia are recognized by both the African Union and the United Nations, and that no unilateral declaration from outside the continent can alter that legal reality. He warned that legitimizing secessionist movements undermines the stability of the state system and sets a dangerous precedent for the continent. By firmly rejecting the Israeli move, Sierra Leone sought to highlight the risks posed by external actors attempting to redraw African maps for geopolitical gain.
The diplomat expressed deep concern over the implications of the move for regional peace and security. He noted that Somalia has made significant strides in its state-building process and that external meddling only serves to derail these hard-won gains. Sierra Leone urged the international community to stand united against any actions that threaten to fragment the Somali nation, calling for a strict adherence to international law and the principles of non-intervention.
This intervention at the Security Council strengthens the diplomatic firewall Somalia has built against the recognition of the northern region. Sierra Leone’s stance reinforces the message that the defense of Somalia’s sovereignty is not merely a regional issue for East Africa, but a continental priority shared by nations across the African Union.
