EAC backs Somalia after Israel recognises Somaliland

By Newsflash Writer

East African states have expressed strong support for Somalia following Israel’s announcement that it is recognising Somaliland as a sovereign state, a move that has stirred diplomatic unease across the Horn of Africa and prompted a swift regional response.

In a statement released on December 28, 2025, the East African Community (EAC) reaffirmed its recognition of Somalia as a single, sovereign country, firmly rejecting any actions that undermine its unity or territorial integrity. The regional bloc said the Federal Republic of Somalia remains intact under the authority of its internationally recognised government and within borders inherited at independence.

Regional bloc closes ranks

The EAC said its position fully aligns with that of the African Union, as outlined in the AU Constitutive Act and subsequent decisions that safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African states. It stressed that respect for established borders remains a foundational principle of both continental and regional cooperation.

“In accordance with the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the EAC recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia as a single sovereign state,” the statement said, adding that all parties must act within recognised regional and international legal frameworks.

Although the statement did not explicitly name Israel, its timing followed closely after Israel’s announcement recognising Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has never been recognised by the African Union or the United Nations. Regional observers view the EAC’s declaration as a clear signal of solidarity with Mogadishu and a warning against unilateral diplomatic moves that could destabilise the region.

The EAC urged all stakeholders to respect Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, noting that any deviation from established legal norms risks fuelling instability in an already fragile region grappling with security threats, humanitarian pressures and complex geopolitical rivalries.

Somalia’s role in regional integration

Somalia is a member of the East African Community, having joined the bloc most recently in 2024 as part of efforts to deepen regional economic and political integration. The EAC now comprises eight member states: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Somalia.

Somalia’s accession was seen as a significant milestone in its reintegration into regional structures after decades of conflict and isolation. Membership opens the door to cooperation in trade, infrastructure development, security coordination and the free movement of people and goods across the region.

Analysts say the EAC’s strong stance reflects broader concerns that recognising breakaway regions could set a dangerous precedent, not only for Somalia but also for other African states facing separatist pressures. With several EAC countries managing delicate internal political balances, the bloc has consistently defended the principle of respecting inherited borders.

The EAC Secretariat, based in Arusha, said the Community will continue working with the African Union, the United Nations and international partners to support Somalia’s stability and state-building efforts, while upholding the principles that underpin regional unity and cooperation.