In a statement issued on Sunday, December 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Rwanda 'fully aligns with the statements issued by the African Union and the East African Community in support of Somalia' and encouraged efforts towards a path based on shared peace and prosperity, in accordance with international law.
The position follows strong remarks from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who rejected any recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and reiterated the AU's 'unwavering commitment' to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia.
He reaffirmed the AU's long-standing stance, grounded in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, particularly the principle of respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as established by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity.
The AU Commission firmly rejected any initiative aimed at recognising Somaliland, stressing that the region remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It warned that actions undermining Somalia's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity risk setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across Africa.
The Commission also reiterated its full support for Somalia's federal authorities as they seek to consolidate peace, strengthen state institutions and advance inclusive governance.
The renewed diplomatic focus comes after Israel announced on Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an 'independent and sovereign state', becoming the first country to make such a declaration. The announcement prompted a sharp response from Mogadishu, with Somalia's federal government describing the move as a 'deliberate attack' on its sovereignty that could undermine regional peace.
Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in May 1991, following years of conflict that left the country in turmoil. Despite maintaining its own government, security structures and currency, it has long lacked formal international recognition.
Several international actors have since distanced themselves from Israel's declaration. The United States said it would continue to recognise Somalia's territorial integrity, explicitly stating that this includes Somaliland. The European Union also criticised the move, warning that it threatens peace and security in the region, while urging Somalia and Somaliland to resolve their long-standing differences through dialogue.
Rwanda's statement adds to mounting regional and international support for the AU's position that Somalia's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-backs-au-and-eac-on-somalia-s-sovereignty-and-unity
