KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government has formally rejected Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, reaffirming its commitment to the territorial integrity of Somalia.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kampala aligned itself with the African Union (AU), characterizing the self-declared region as a byproduct of prolonged regional instability.
Henry Oryem Okello, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs, confirmed the nation’s stance, noting that Uganda strictly follows the AU’s long-standing policy regarding colonial-era borders.
The Minister emphasized that the boundaries established during the independence era of the 1960s must remain sacrosanct. Under this framework, any territorial alterations are only valid if achieved through formal constitutional mechanisms or a direct expression of the people’s will via a referendum.
In a blunt assessment of the situation in the Horn of Africa, Minister Henry Oryem Okello dismissed the legitimacy of the breakaway region’s independence claim.
“As such, Somaliland is a pseudo product of the insecure situation in Somalia,” the minister stated during a phone interview with Vivid Voice News.
He further clarified that Uganda’s refusal to endorse Israel’s diplomatic shift is rooted in the continental consensus regarding sovereignty.
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“Since the AU only recognized countries that emerged at the time of independence in the 1960s and 1970s, with their boundaries and sovereignty, hence, we cannot support the position that Israel has taken recently,” Oryem added.
The diplomatic row was triggered on Friday when Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced a landmark agreement regarding “mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations” between Israel and Somaliland.
The move immediately drew condemnation from across the international community.
On Saturday, a coalition of Arab and Muslim nations issued a joint communiqué denouncing Israel’s actions. These nations reaffirmed their unwavering support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The Russian government has also formally reiterated its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial cohesion of the Federal Republic of Somalia (FRS).
In a high-level diplomatic communication, Moscow emphasized that Somalia remains a sovereign entity with borders that are clearly defined and protected under international law.
This official stance was articulated during an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The meeting was convened in response to recent diplomatic statements from Somali and Israeli representatives, as well as several other member states, regarding the evolving geopolitical situation in the Horn of Africa.
Russia’s delegation voiced a firm objection to any maneuvers that threaten to destabilize Somalia’s national unity or erode its status as a unified state. The Kremlin stressed that external meddling in Somalia’s internal governance is a violation of established global norms and remains entirely unacceptable.
Key highlights from the Russian position include:
- The inviolability of sovereignty: Aligning with other permanent members of the Security Council to uphold the principles of statehood and international law.
- Global solidarity: A call for the international community to maintain a synchronized approach in defending Somalia’s political independence.
- Rejection of fragmentation: Ensuring that the country’s internationally recognized borders are respected by all foreign actors.
The statement concludes by urging global powers to prioritize the stability of the Federal Republic, warning that actions undermining its integrity could have far-reaching consequences for regional security.
