The African Union Commission has strongly condemned Israel’s move to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, saying it poses a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement issued by the Commission on Sunday, it said the African Union fully supports the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
The African Union also recalled the resolutions of the 1324th session of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, which stated that any step to recognize Somaliland as a separate state is considered illegitimate and unacceptable.
The Commission warned that such steps could undermine efforts for peace and stability in the region, and could exacerbate tensions in the Horn of Africa.
The African Union also reiterated its continued support for Somalia, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, state-building and strengthening national unity.
This move comes after Israeli media reported that the Israeli government had appointed Michael Lotem as its first ambassador to Somaliland, having previously served in Kenya.
