MOSCOW, Dec 27 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Yousouf, has rejected any initiatives aimed at recognising the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
"The Chairperson of the Commission firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
“Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent," the African Union said in a Friday statement.
Earlier on Friday, Israel became the first country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa as an independent state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and the leader of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah signed a relevant joint declaration.
The Egyptian, Turkish, Somalian and Djibouti foreign ministers held a phone conversation to discuss Israel's recognition of Somaliland, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Friday. They called the move completely unacceptable and expressed full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. The African Union has also reiterated its support for Somalia.
"The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, as well as its full support for the efforts of the Somali authorities to consolidate peace, strengthen State institutions, and advance inclusive governance," the African Union said in a Friday statement.
The office of the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, said on Friday that Somalia categorically rejects the infringement on its sovereignty and the illegal actions of Israel, which recognised the Republic of Somaliland.
Somalia effectively ceased to exist as a unified state in 1991 with the fall of Siad Barre's government. The internationally recognised federal government controls the capital Mogadishu and some other areas. The self-declared Republic of Somaliland in the north, which split off and declared independence in 1991, and the autonomous Puntland region in the east, which declared autonomy in 1998, both operate independently but are not internationally recognised as separate states.
--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI
