Nigeria has reiterated its support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of Somalia, warning international actors against any actions that could undermine the country’s constitutional order.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Saturday, the Federal Government said it remained committed to the principles of sovereignty and political independence of all United Nations and African Union member states.
It declared its “firm and unequivocal support for the sovereignty, unity, and statehood of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
Nigeria recognised the government in Mogadishu as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people and praised its efforts to achieve peace and national reconciliation despite ongoing challenges.
The statement said Nigeria “stands in solidarity with Somalia and strongly condemns any actions or rhetoric that seek to undermine its constitutional order and territorial integrity.”
The ministry stressed that stability in Somalia is crucial for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and across the continent.
According to the statement, “the stability of Somalia is integral to the peace and security of the entire Horn of Africa region and the African continent at large,” adding that Nigeria remains committed to supporting Somalia through multilateral frameworks and international cooperation.
Nigeria also cautioned foreign governments and institutions against recognising any part of Somalia as an independent entity.
The statement warned that “such actions would only escalate the crisis and should be avoided,” while urging regional and international actors to strictly respect Somalia’s sovereignty and support its institutions in rebuilding a stable and resilient nation.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, an autonomous region in north-western Somalia that declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali state.
Somaliland, which has governed most of the territory it claims for over decades, has enjoyed relative peace and stability compared to much of Somalia.
However, it has not received international recognition, despite sustained lobbying by its leaders. President Abdirahman Abdullahi has made international recognition a top priority since taking office last year.
The move by Israel drew condemnation from the African Union and several countries in the region.
Somalia’s Federal Government condemned Israel’s decision, describing it as an “unlawful step,” and insisted that Somaliland is “an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part” of Somalia.
AU strongly criticised Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland, reaffirming its long-standing position that the breakaway region remains part of Somalia.
It added, “Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”
Egypt said its foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, had spoken with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti, and they underscored their complete rejection of any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or erode the foundations of stability in the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the agreement, describing it as part of Israel’s broader diplomatic outreach.
He said the agreement with Somaliland “is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” adding: “The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.”
Netanyahu also invited Abdullahi to visit his office.
Reacting to Israel’s decision, Somaliland’s president hailed it as a major breakthrough. Calling it a “historic moment,” Abdullahi said in a post on X that the agreement marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership.”
