Addis Ababa, Feb. 16 (SANA) The African Union reaffirmed its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, while condemning Israel’s unilateral recognition of the “Somaliland” region.
In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the African Union’s annual summit in Addis Ababa, African leaders warned that “any unilateral recognition that contradicts the fundamental principles of the African Union and the U.N. Charter could jeopardize the peace, stability and unity of the African continent,” according to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA).
The AU stressed the importance of respecting internationally recognized borders and resolving disputes through dialogue and legal mechanisms in accordance with African and international law.
The Union also endorsed a statement issued on Dec. 26 by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, rejecting any step or initiative aimed at recognizing Somaliland.
On Dec. 26, Israel announced mutual recognition with Somaliland, becoming the only country to do so since the region’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1991 — a move that drew widespread Arab and international criticism.
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