AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf made the position clear following recent developments linked to Israel’s move that reignited debate over Somaliland’s status.
Speaking on behalf of the continental body, Youssouf said the African Union stands by Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
He stressed that the AU does not recognise Somaliland as a separate state and has no intention of changing that position.
According to him, any action that seeks to divide an African country without broad consensus and legal process risks creating instability across the region.
“The African Union’s position is clear and unchanged,” Youssouf said. “Somaliland is part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and this must be respected.”
He added that unilateral recognition by external actors goes against long-standing African Union principles.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Since then, it has operated with its own administration, security forces, and elections.
Despite this, it has never been formally recognised as an independent state by the African Union or the United Nations.
Youssouf warned that recognising breakaway regions could open the door to similar claims across Africa, threatening peace and unity on the continent.
He noted that many African countries have diverse communities and historical grievances, and reckless recognition could fuel conflicts rather than solve them.
The AU Chairperson also urged international partners to engage Somalia through dialogue and support efforts aimed at stability, reconciliation, and development.
He said Africa’s problems should be addressed through African-led solutions, not decisions imposed from outside the continent.
Somalia’s government has repeatedly opposed any recognition of Somaliland, arguing that such moves undermine national unity and ongoing efforts to rebuild the country after decades of conflict.
The AU echoed this concern, saying Somalia needs support, not actions that could weaken its recovery.