The East African Community (EAC) has broken its silence over rising regional tensions involving Somalia and Somaliland, reaffirming its full support for Somalia’s sovereignty following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
In a statement released by the EAC Secretariat on Sunday, December 28, the regional bloc said it recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia as a single, sovereign nation under the authority of the Federal Government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Community emphasized that it does not acknowledge any unilateral actions that undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity.
“The East African Community reaffirms its recognition of the Federal Republic of Somalia as one sovereign state under the authority of the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the statement read.
The EAC, whose members include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia, said it had aligned itself with the position of the African Union (AU) as articulated in the AU’s Consultative Act and relevant decisions on Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.
According to the Secretariat, the bloc remains committed to principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states and African nations at large. It warned that actions perceived to legitimize secessionist entities risk destabilising the Horn of Africa, a region already grappling with insecurity and humanitarian challenges.
The statement comes amid heightened diplomatic unease following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared state that has sought international recognition since breaking away from Somalia in 1991. Somalia has consistently rejected any recognition of Somaliland, insisting it remains an integral part of its territory.
The EAC urged all international partners to support African-led solutions and respect established continental frameworks when engaging on sensitive political and territorial issues. It further called for dialogue and cooperation to safeguard peace, security, and stability in the region.
Somalia joined the EAC in 2023, making the bloc’s stance particularly significant in reinforcing Mogadishu’s position on the regional and continental stage.