The Nigerian government has rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as a threat to Somalia’s sovereignty and a potential source of instability in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
Nigeria declared its firm and unequivocal support for the sovereignty, unity, and statehood of the Federal Republic of Somalia, stressing that the government in Mogadishu remains the only legitimate authority representing the Somali people.
The government condemned any actions or rhetoric capable of undermining Somalia’s constitutional order, warning that recognising any part of the country as an independent entity would escalate tensions and worsen the already fragile situation in the region.
Nigeria urged Israel and other international and regional actors to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and to support ongoing efforts to rebuild a stable and united Somali state through constructive engagement.
According to the statement, Somalia’s stability is critical to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and across the African continent. Nigeria said it would continue to support Somalia through multilateral cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
Israel, on Friday, December 26, recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the decision was in the spirit of the Abraham Accords and said Israel would pursue cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi welcomed the recognition, describing it as a step toward regional and global peace, and confirmed plans to join the Abraham Accords.
The move has drawn widespread condemnation. The African Union reaffirmed its rejection of any attempt to recognise Somaliland as an independent entity, stressing that the region remains an integral part of Somalia. Somalia’s government described Israel’s action as unlawful and a direct attack on its sovereignty.
Egypt, the Arab League, and other regional actors also condemned the decision, warning that it violates international law and threatens regional stability.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has remained unrecognised internationally until Israel’s announcement. Despite relative stability compared to Somalia, the region’s push for recognition has continued to generate diplomatic tensions across Africa and beyond.
