The East African Community (EAC) has taken a firm position on the escalating diplomatic dispute involving Somalia and Somaliland, reaffirming its recognition of Somalia as a single, sovereign state following Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as independent.
In a statement released on Sunday, December 28, the EAC Secretariat said the regional bloc fully recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The organisation stressed that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remain inviolable under regional and continental frameworks.
The EAC, whose membership includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia, said its position aligns with resolutions adopted by the African Union.
The bloc cited its founding treaty, which recognises only borders inherited by member states at the time of independence.
“In line with the EAC Treaty, the Community recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia within its internationally acknowledged borders inherited at independence,” the statement noted.
The regional body further called on Israel to respect Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, urging all parties involved to adhere to established international law and regional agreements governing sovereignty and statehood.
The declaration effectively rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a move that has triggered diplomatic tension across East Africa and the wider African continent.
The EAC’s response came shortly after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held consultations with several East African leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
According to officials, the discussions focused on regional stability, cooperation, and solidarity with Mogadishu amid rising tensions.
While the EAC condemned Israel’s move, celebrations erupted in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, where residents hailed the recognition as a diplomatic breakthrough.
Supporters of Somaliland described Israel’s declaration as international validation of their decades-long quest for statehood, separate from Somalia.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday, December 26, that his country had formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, pledging cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, agriculture, and security.
The African Union swiftly rejected the recognition, reaffirming that it only acknowledges the Federal Republic of Somalia as a sovereign state. The continental body warned that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland could destabilise the Horn of Africa and pose wider security risks.
Several Arab and Islamic nations also criticised Israel’s move, describing it as a violation of international law.
Although individual East African heads of state have not issued separate public statements, the EAC’s position underscores the region’s collective resolve to stand with Somalia as it seeks to safeguard its borders and strengthen national security institutions.
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