The British government announced on Monday that it does not recognize the independence of Somaliland, reaffirming its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in a stance reflecting broad international consensus against any unilateral change to the region’s legal status.
Similarly, the European Union reiterated its commitment to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, calling for serious dialogue between the Somali federal government and the internationally unrecognized Somaliland authorities to address long-standing political disputes. This was stated in a release by the European External Action Service.
The statement stressed the EU’s emphasis on “respect for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in accordance with its constitution, African Union principles, and the United Nations Charter,” noting that preserving Somalia’s unity is essential to achieving peace and stability across the Horn of Africa.
China also joined those rejecting recognition of Somaliland’s independence. China’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday its opposition to any attempts to divide Somali territory, days after Israel announced its official recognition of the self-declared “Republic of Somaliland,” becoming the first country to do so.
South Africa, for its part, urged the international community to reject what it described as “external interference” and called for support for a unified and stable Somalia, in line with long-standing African positions opposing changes to inherited borders.
Somaliland has enjoyed de facto self-rule since 1991 and has maintained relative stability and security compared to the rest of Somalia, but it has yet to receive broad international recognition.
Israel announced on Friday its intention to launch immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic sectors—a move strongly condemned by the Somali government, which described it as “illegal” and a “deliberate violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.