ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional political and development bloc in Africa, reaffirmed its support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity on Saturday, amid reports of shifting diplomatic ties in the Horn of Africa.

In a statement, the IGAD Secretariat cited “recent developments” related to the reported recognition of Somaliland by Israel, signaling concern over actions it said could challenge the internationally recognized borders of member states.

The secretariat said Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD member state whose territorial boundaries are fully recognized under international law. It warned that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland would violate the United Nations Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the legal framework establishing IGAD.

“The secretariat calls upon all international partners and stakeholders to uphold international law and support dialogue and processes that strengthen peace, stability and cooperation in the region,” the statement said.

The response follows an announcement on Thursday, in which Israel became the first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move was in the “spirit of the Abraham Accords,” citing cooperation in agriculture, technology, and regional security.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated as a de facto state for more than three decades but had not previously received formal recognition from any UN member state.

IGAD’s position aligns with statements from the African Union, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, all of which have warned that such recognition could destabilize the region.

The bloc cited AU and UN charters in urging adherence to the principle of noninterference and respect for existing borders.

The regional body also reaffirmed its solidarity with Somalia’s federal government and said it remains committed to inclusive political processes aimed at promoting long-term stability and prosperity in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.