By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission has released a statement, rejecting the recognition of Somaliland as an independent State.

This comes after Israel through Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced this week that, his country has taken a decision to formally recognize the breakaway northern Somalia as an independent country but, Africa through the AU, has vigorously rejected any recognition of Somaliland.

“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has taken note, with deep concern, of recent developments relating to Somaliland. In this regard, the Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, in particular the respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 decision of the Organization of African Unity. The Chairperson of the Commission firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” said the Chairperson of AU Commission through his Spokesperson Nuur Mohamud Sheekh.

On another note, the AU Chairperson said 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 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,” reads the statement released by the AU.