ADDIS ABABA — The African Union on Thursday reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refusing to recognize Somaliland as an independent state and condemning external interference in conflict-ridden Sudan’s internal affairs.
The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) said in a communiqué on Thursday that it strongly rejected Israel’s unilateral recognition of the “so-called Republic of Somaliland” and called for its “immediate withdrawal.”
“No actor has the authority or position to change the territorial composition of African Union member states,” the council said at a ministerial meeting in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, adding that such declarations are invalid and have no legal effect under international law.
This strong statement by the Peace and Security Council comes after Israel announced on December 26 last year that it had officially recognized Somaliland as an independent sovereign state, making it the only country in the country. The move drew harsh criticism from across the region.
The Council welcomed the recent military victory against the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization and encouraged Somali security forces, supported by the AU Mission (AUSSOM) and partners, to continue operations to “more effectively weaken and ultimately defeat Al-Shabaab and other terrorist organizations.”
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The report called on Somalia’s federal government to strengthen comprehensive dialogue with federal member states and other stakeholders, noting that “divisions in the country’s governance complicate the fight against al-Shabab terrorists and prolong efforts to stabilize and build the state.”
The Council also emphasized the need for rapid force generation and “sustainable, predictable and flexible multi-year financing” for AUSSOM.
The council strongly condemned external interference in Sudan’s internal affairs, as fighting continues in various parts of the country, and called on external parties to refrain from “actions that continue to incite conflict.”
The report expressed deep concern that the conflict continues, citing widespread civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and a deepening humanitarian crisis, including reports of famine and starvation in several areas.
The council condemned the violations against civilians and called for accountability for those responsible.
It called for unimpeded humanitarian access and protection for aid workers, and called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire leading to a ceasefire, saying there is no viable military solution to the conflict.
He called for an inclusive Sudanese-led political process to address the root causes of the crisis and restore constitutional order. — Agency
