Nigeria has joined the African Union, Jordan, and over 20 other nations in rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
The move, announced by Israel on Friday, drew widespread condemnation for violating Somalia’s sovereignty and international law.
Nigeria issued a statement on Saturday reaffirming its support for Somalia’s unity, territorial integrity, and political independence as a United Nation and AU member state.
Spokesperson from Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, urged international actors to avoid recognizing any part of Somalia as separate, warning it would escalate the crisis.
Nigeria signed a joint statement with others while issuing its own denunciation. “The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all Member States of the United Nations and the African Union.”
“The Government of Nigeria urges international actors to desist from recognising any part of the territory of Somalia as an independent entity, as such actions would only escalate the crisis,” the statement disclosed.
Foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and more, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, labeled Israel’s action a grave breach of the UN Charter.
They highlighted risks to peace in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea, calling it a dangerous precedent for breakaway regions.
The US, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar also rejected the decision.
Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, condemned the recognition as interference and vowed diplomatic pushback, linking it to alleged Gaza plans denied by Israel.
The African Union dismissed it outright, stressing respect for colonial-era borders and warning of continental precedents amid secessionist threats. Saudi Arabia echoed support for Somalia’s institutions.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi defended the step, citing its government, currency, and institutions after decades seeking recognition since 1991.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed it under the Abraham Accords, planning cooperation in agriculture, health, and tech, and inviting the president to Israel while discussing it with US President Donald Trump.