The Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation.
The Secretariat noted that one-sided recognitions are contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Agreement establishing IGAD, warning that such actions threaten collective efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation.
“Unilateral recognitions undermine the collaborative objectives of regional and international organizations,” the statement read.
IGAD stresses the importance of adherence to established legal and diplomatic frameworks.
The Secretariat also urged all international actors and stakeholders to support dialogue-based approaches that foster peace, stability and cooperation across the Horn of Africa, rather than actions that risk escalating tensions.
This statement comes during heightened geopolitical debate over Somaliland’s status, with regional and continental bodies maintaining that any change to internationally recognized borders must be addressed through lawful and consultative processes.
According to Dr Mohamed Abdulkarim Abdi an International Relations expert, political scientist and a commentator on Horn of Africa politics, Somaliland has all requirements for statehood.
“For more than 30 years, Somaliland has done everything the international system claims to reward—without receiving any of the benefits.”
For a state to claim sovereign statehood it must fulfill the following of which Somaliland has built for 30 years:
• Defined territory
• Permanent population
• Effective government
• Capacity to engage internationally
· National currency
· National military
