EU Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Unity Amid Regional Sovereignty Challenges

EU Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Unity Amid Regional Sovereignty Challenges

London, UK – December 29, 2025

EU Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Unity Amid Regional Sovereignty Challenges as the European Union issues a stern reminder to the international community regarding the legal status of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Following a series of diplomatic shocks in the Horn of Africa, including the controversial decision by Israel to formally recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland, Brussels has doubled down on its commitment to Mogadishu.

The European Union’s foreign affairs department stated on Saturday that respecting the “unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” of Somalia is not merely a diplomatic preference but a fundamental requirement for the stability of the entire African continent.

The announcement comes at a time of heightened tension. On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first United Nations member state to officially recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, a move that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked to the “spirit of the Abraham Accords.”

This decision has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting an immediate and forceful response from the European Union.

EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni emphasized that the bloc’s position remains unchanged:

Somaliland is legally an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia under both the Somali constitution and the charters of the United Nations and the African Union.

Key Headlines:

Brussels Rejects Secession:

The European Union formally reaffirms its support for a unified Somalia, rejecting any unilateral declarations of independence.

Response to Israel:

EU officials warn that the recognition of Somaliland by external powers risks “setting a dangerous precedent” that could destabilize the Horn of Africa.

Call for Dialogue:

The EU urges both the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Somaliland authorities in Hargeisa to return to the negotiating table.

Regional Security:

European diplomats express concern that political division will weaken collective efforts against insurgent groups like Al-Shabaab.

International Law:

The EU anchors its stance in the “intangibility of borders,” a core principle of the African Union designed to prevent continental fragmentation.

The European Union’s Diplomatic Anchor

For decades, the European Union has been a primary donor and security partner for the Federal Government of Somalia.

The bloc has invested billions of euros in state-building, humanitarian aid, and security missions intended to centralize authority and provide a unified front against terrorism.

By insisting on the unity of the Somali state, the EU aims to protect these long-term investments.
The integrity of Somalia is key for the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region,” El Anouni stated, reflecting a consensus shared by major European powers including France, Germany, and Italy.

The EU’s refusal to recognize Somaliland’s independence is rooted in a fear of “contagion.”

If Somaliland is successfully recognized after 34 years of self-governance, it could encourage other secessionist movements across Africa to bypass central governments. This philosophy aligns the EU closely with the African Union (AU), which has also issued a strong condemnation of the recent diplomatic shift.

The AU Chairperson has reiterated that the borders inherited at the time of independence are sacred, and any attempt to redraw them without a mutually agreed-upon legal process is a violation of international law.

Tensions Over the Red Sea and “Phase Two” Diplomacy

The timing of the EU’s statement is critical. Beyond Israel’s recognition, the region has been grappling with the fallout of the Ethiopia–Somaliland port deal.

Ethiopia’s attempt to secure naval access through Somaliland’s coast in exchange for potential recognition had already strained relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu earlier in 2025.

The European Union has acted as a mediator in these disputes, frequently supporting Turkish-led negotiations aimed at finding a commercial rather than a political solution to Ethiopia’s maritime needs.

The EU’s insistence on unity is also a strategic move to ensure that Somalia’s transition toward a more robust democratic framework remains on track.

Brussels fears that the fragmentation of the country would lead to a “security vacuum,” particularly in the northern regions where Somaliland has historically maintained its own military and police forces.

If Hargeisa pursues complete independence with the backing of foreign powers like Israel, the EU argues it could lead to a permanent fracture that would be exploited by regional rivals and extremist organizations alike.

Looking Ahead: The Path of Meaningful Dialogue

Despite its firm stance on sovereignty, the European Union has not closed the door on Hargeisa.

The bloc remains one of the few international entities that provides direct development aid to Somaliland, recognizing its relative stability compared to other parts of the country.

However, the EU’s “green light” is only for economic partnership and “meaningful dialogue,” not for sovereign status.

As 2026 approaches, the pressure on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government to offer a viable federal solution to Somaliland’s grievances is mounting.

The EU has indicated that it is willing to facilitate a new round of talks between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, provided that the starting point is the preservation of the Somali state.

For now, the European Union stands as a primary defender of the international status quo, reminding the world that the map of East Africa cannot be redrawn by unilateral decrees.