East African Community Reaffirms Somalia’s Sovereignty Amidst Regional Tensions
The East African Community (EAC) has issued a strong affirmation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a move that has been warmly received by Somalia’s ambassador to Tanzania and its permanent representative to the EAC. This declaration sends a clear message against unilateral actions that could jeopardise regional stability, particularly in the volatile Horn of Africa.
The EAC Secretariat, based in Arusha, released a statement on Sunday explicitly recognising “the Federal Republic of Somalia as a single sovereign state under the authority of the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” The bloc further urged all parties involved to operate strictly within established regional and international legal frameworks governing sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This intervention by the EAC comes at a critical juncture, following heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa. The situation escalated when Israel became the first nation to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state. This decision has drawn widespread condemnation from Somalia’s federal government and a growing number of regional and international partners, who deem the move unlawful and destabilising.
Understanding the Somaliland Context
Somaliland declared its independence in 1991, a move that followed the collapse of Somalia’s central government and the ensuing civil war. Since then, Somaliland has functioned with its own distinct institutions and has maintained a relative degree of stability. However, it has not garnered recognition as a sovereign state from either the African Union or the United Nations. Consequently, the international community largely continues to consider Somaliland as an integral part of Somalia.
A Unified Stance on Sovereignty
Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan, Somalia’s representative to Tanzania and the EAC, lauded the EAC’s stance, highlighting it as a testament to the bloc’s dedication to peace, security, and the rule of law.
“Somalia’s sovereignty is absolute, indivisible, and internationally guaranteed,” Ambassador Hassan stated emphatically. “Somaliland remains an integral and inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
He further elaborated on Somalia’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty:
- Somalia will persistently defend its sovereignty through peaceful, lawful, and diplomatic channels.
- The nation will actively collaborate with its partners to preserve regional stability.
- Upholding international law remains a paramount objective in these efforts.
Somalia’s Integration into the EAC
Somalia’s membership in the EAC represents a significant development. The nation joined the bloc in late 2023 and officially became a full member in March 2024. This integration has placed crucial issues of sovereignty, regional security, and political stability at the forefront of the EAC’s agenda.
The EAC’s position aligns closely with the long-standing principles of the African Union. These principles strongly oppose the redrawing of inherited borders, especially when such actions are not conducted through agreed-upon constitutional and diplomatic processes.
International Echoes of Support
The international community has largely echoed the EAC’s sentiment following Israel’s announcement regarding Somaliland.
- European Union: The EU has emphasised that respecting Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity is fundamental to achieving peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The bloc has also called for dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia.
- China: China has also voiced its opposition to any attempts to partition Somalia’s territory. The nation has issued a warning against external encouragement of separatist movements within Somalia.
The unified front presented by regional and international bodies underscores the shared commitment to maintaining the territorial integrity of Somalia and promoting stability across the Horn of Africa. The EAC’s clear declaration serves as a vital reinforcement of these principles in a region grappling with complex geopolitical challenges.
