ISTANBUL

South Africa warned on Monday that Israel’s decision to recognize Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state is a “direct threat” to peace in the Horn of Africa.

Expressing concern in a statement, the country’s Foreign Ministry said the recognition violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Israel’s action validates fragmentation and risks a domino effect of instability,” it stressed.

The ministry said it distinguishes "unequivocally" between decolonization and secession, adding: “The former restores sovereignty; the latter dismantles it."

South Africa said it upholds the African Union’s principle of uti possidetis, which calls for respecting the borders inherited at independence to safeguard against conflict, and urged the international community to reject Tel Aviv’s “external interference and support a united, stable Somalia.”

Israel became the world’s first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, drawing condemnation from Türkiye, a close ally of Somalia, and countries in Africa and the Middle East, among others.

Global backlash grows over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, with many countries condemning the move as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability.

Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity, with the central government struggling to assert control over the region and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.

Mogadishu refuses to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, considers it an integral part of its territory, and views any direct deals or engagement with it as a violation of the country's sovereignty and unity.