H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU), has rejected any recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed the Union’s “unwavering commitment” to Somalia’s “unity and sovereignty”.
This was contained in a Press Release on Friday 26 December, 2025, signed by Mr. Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, Spokesperson of the Chairperson, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The AU Chairperson staunchly rejected the recognition of Somaliland as an “independent entity” and said, it remains an “integral part” of Somalia.
The Press Release reads: “The Chairperson of the African Union Commission rejects any recognition of Somaliland and reaffirms the African Union’s unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty of #Somalia.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has taken note, with deep concern, of recent developments relating to Somaliland.
“The Chairperson of the Commission @ymahmoudali 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.
“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.”
Photo: African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Tiksa Negeri/Reuters
