Neighbours back Somalia's sovereignty after Israeli recognition of Somaliland
The regional leaders say any recognition of territory belonging to a UN member state violates the UN Charter, the AU’s principle of territorial unity and international norms.
The leaders of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Djibouti have expressed support for Somalia’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty.
It comes after Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state".
The regional leaders stressed that any recognition of territory belonging to a UN member state constitutes a violation of the UN Charter, the African Union’s principle of territorial unity and internationally recognized norms.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held phone consultations with regional leaders, including President William Ruto of Kenya, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, according to a statement released by the Somali Presidency on Saturday.
The discussions focused on Israel’s move, which Somalia says undermines its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Somali government described the recognition as an unlawful action threatening regional stability and violating international law.
President Mohamud said he would continue consultations with global leaders to coordinate all necessary diplomatic, legal and political measures to safeguard Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and national integrity.
On Friday, the Somali Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, convened an emergency meeting where they strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reiterating that the region remains an integral, inseparable part of Somalia.