IGAD Urges Respect for Somalia’s Sovereignty after Somaliland Opens Embassy in Jerusalem

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Thursday reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that actions perceived as undermining the country’s unity could threaten regional stability.

In a statement issued from Djibouti, the East African regional bloc said it had taken note of reports concerning the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem and reiterated its longstanding position that Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity must be respected.

The statement comes as Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi undertakes what officials have described as a historic visit to Israel, where he opened the diplomatic mission and held meetings with senior Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the Knesset.

During a meeting with the Somaliland leader, Netanyahu spoke of what he described as “a deep spiritual bond between our peoples,” underscoring the growing relationship between Israel and the self-declared republic.

The diplomatic breakthrough follows Israel’s decision in December to become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move that sparked criticism from numerous countries and organizations.

IGAD said it remained committed to the sovereignty, unity and political independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia, citing the IGAD Treaty, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the United Nations Charter as guiding principles.

“The unity and territorial integrity of Somalia must be fully respected,” the organization said.

The regional bloc also expressed concern over any initiative that could be interpreted as challenging Somalia’s sovereignty, warning that such actions risk increasing tensions and undermining regional peace, stability and cooperation.

While the statement did not directly address Israel or provide details about the reported diplomatic mission, it underscored IGAD’s position that developments affecting Somalia’s territorial status should be approached with restraint and in accordance with international and regional frameworks.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia more than three decades ago, operates its own government, security forces and institutions but has not gained international recognition as a sovereign state. Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as part of its territory and has consistently opposed efforts by the region to secure independent diplomatic recognition.

The issue has become increasingly sensitive in the Horn of Africa as Somaliland seeks broader international engagement while Somalia’s federal government pushes for greater international support for its territorial claims and state-building efforts.