South Africa slams Israel over Somaliland recognition, says move fuels 'instability'

South Africa has warned that Israel’s decision to recognise Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state is a “direct threat” to peace in the Horn of Africa.

Expressing concern in a statement, the country’s Foreign Ministry said the recognition violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Israel’s action validates fragmentation and risks a domino effect of instability,” it stressed.

The ministry said it distinguishes "unequivocally" between decolonisation and secession, adding: “The former restores sovereignty; the latter dismantles it."

Israel widely condemned

South Africa said it upholds the African Union’s principle of uti possidetis, which calls for respecting the borders inherited at independence to safeguard against conflict, and urged the international community to reject Tel Aviv’s “external interference and support a united, stable Somalia.”

Israel became the world’s first country to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, drawing condemnation from Türkiye, a close ally of Somalia, and countries in Africa and the Middle East, among others.

Global backlash has grown over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, with many countries terming the move a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.

Somaliland, located in Somalia's north, has lacked official recognition since unilaterally declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.

Somalia considers Somaliland as an integral part of its territory, and views any direct deals or engagement with it as a violation of the country's sovereignty and unity.