Addis Ababa, (SONNA) — The Heads of State and Government of the African Union have issued a draft declaration reaffirming their firm commitment to the preservation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following deliberations at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly held in Addis Ababa from 14 to 15 February 2026.
The Assembly recalled the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, notably Article 3(b) on the defence of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Member States, and Article 4(b) on respect for borders existing at the time of independence. The leaders also reaffirmed the African Union’s longstanding position, inherited from the former Organization of African Unity (OAU), on the intangibility of borders as set out in Resolution AHG/Res.16(I) adopted in Cairo in July 1964.
In the draft declaration, the Assembly expressed deep concern over the unilateral recognition of the “so-called Republic of Somaliland” by Israel as an independent entity, stating that such an action threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and stability of Somalia. The AU strongly condemned and rejected all acts by external actors, particularly the unilateral recognition by Israel, and called for its immediate revocation.
The Assembly fully endorsed the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union [PSC/MIN/COMM.1324 (2026)] adopted on 6 January 2026 at ministerial level, as well as the statement issued on 26 December 2025 by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission. Both documents rejected any initiative or action aimed at recognizing Somalia’s northern region (Somaliland) as an independent entity, warning that such moves contravene the fundamental principles of the African Union and the United Nations and risk setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.
The draft declaration stressed that no actor has the authority or legal standing to alter the territorial configuration of an AU Member State, and that any such declaration is null, void, and without legal effect under international law. It further stated that any attempt to alter borders by force or illegal means undermines unity and territorial integrity, contravenes the Constitutive Act, and poses serious risks to peace, security, and stability.
The Assembly also expressed regret that such actions could threaten peace and stability on the continent, particularly in the Horn of Africa, hinder joint security initiatives, and establish an unacceptable precedent inconsistent with established principles.
Concluding the declaration, the African Union called upon all Member States and international partners to reaffirm Somalia’s sovereignty and unity, reject all illegal acts undermining these principles, and stand in solidarity in support of African unity.
