The European Union (EU) today called for Somalia’s sovereignty to be respected, a first for the self-proclaimed republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991.
The EU “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia in accordance with its Constitution and the charters of the African Union and the United Nations,” European Commission foreign policy representative Anwar El-Anouni said in a statement.
“This is necessary for peace and stability throughout the Horn of Africa,” he stressed.
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EU reiterates support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, urging dialogue for stability in Horn of Africa
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency)
“EU encourages constructive dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia”
“The EU encourages constructive dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve long-standing differences,” added the European official.
Israel announced yesterday that it officially recognizes as an independent state Somaliland, the breakaway province of Somalia that until Israel’s decision was not recognized by any other country in the world.
After Israel’s decision, Somalia condemned a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, while Egypt, Turkey, the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the recognition.
According to APE-MPE, Somaliland unilaterally declared its independence in 1991, when Somalia was plunged into chaos after the overthrow of the military regime of authoritarian dictator Siad Barre.
Since then it has operated autonomously, with its own currency, army and police, and relative stability compared to the rest of Somalia, which has been plagued by chronic political strife while also facing attacks by the Islamist Shebab rebels.
