South Africa has strongly criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, warning that the move poses a direct threat to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement issued by its foreign ministry, South Africa said the recognition violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing it as a dangerous precedent that risks fuelling fragmentation across the region.
The ministry stressed that endorsing Somaliland’s secession undermines established international norms and could trigger a wider cycle of instability. It warned that legitimising breakaway entities encourages further division and weakens efforts to maintain regional cohesion.
South Africa said it draws a clear distinction between decolonisation and secession, noting that while decolonisation restores sovereignty, secession dismantles it. It reaffirmed its commitment to the African Union’s principle of respecting borders inherited at independence, a framework designed to prevent conflict and preserve stability on the continent.
Calling on the international community to reject what it described as external interference, South Africa urged global actors to support a unified and stable Somalia rather than actions that deepen political fragmentation.
Israel’s decision has drawn widespread condemnation from countries in Africa and the Middle East, as well as from Türkiye, a key ally of Somalia. Critics say the move violates international law and threatens to destabilise an already fragile region.
Somaliland, located in northern Somalia, declared independence unilaterally in 1991 but has not previously received formal international recognition. Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its territory and considers any direct engagement with the region without federal consent a breach of its sovereignty and unity.