Nigeria rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

Nigeria has joined more than 22 other countries to reject Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, warning that the move violates international law and threatens peace and security in the Horn of Africa.

Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war, but has never been recognised by any United Nations member state.

Nigeria issued a separate statement denouncing Israel’s decision. It also signed the joint statement by over 20 countris.

In its statement on Saturday, Nigeria said it “unequivocally” supports the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia.

“The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all Member States of the United Nations and the African Union,” wrote Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nigeria added that it recognises the government in Somalia as “the legitimate authority representing the Somali people” and condemned any action that undermines Somalia’s constitutional order.

“The Government of Nigeria urges international actors to desist from recognising any part of the territory of Somalia as an independent entity, as such actions would only escalate the crisis,” the statement said.

In a separate joint statement, the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Djibouti, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and more than a dozen other countries, alongside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), condemned Israel’s decision.

They described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an “unprecedented measure” with “serious repercussions on peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.”

The ministers said the move constitutes “a grave violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter,” particularly provisions safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

They reaffirmed their “full support for the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia” and rejected “any measures that undermine its unity or territorial integrity.”

The African Union also dismissed Israel’s recognition, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent across the continent. The AU stressed its long-standing principle of respecting borders inherited at independence, noting that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.

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