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In a significant diplomatic move, both Nigeria and the African Union (AU) have issued a unified call for the unwavering respect of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity. This strong declaration comes at a critical juncture, following Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland.
Israel’s decision marks it as the first country to officially acknowledge Somaliland, a region in the Horn of Africa that declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 but has largely remained unrecognized by the international community. This development has sparked considerable debate and concern regarding its potential implications for regional stability.
The joint appeal from Nigeria, a prominent African powerhouse, and the African Union, the continent’s leading political and economic body, underscores a deep-seated commitment to established international norms. Respect for a nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a cornerstone of international law and a fundamental principle enshrined in the AU’s charter, designed to foster peace and prevent conflicts across the continent.
Somaliland has, for over three decades, operated with de facto independence, boasting its own functional government, currency, and security forces. However, its quest for full international recognition has consistently faced resistance, primarily due to the global community’s general adherence to the principle of preserving existing national borders, particularly within Africa, to avoid potential instability and further fragmentation.
The recognition by any sovereign state, especially an internationally significant actor like Israel, could set a precedent that some fear might embolden other secessionist movements or complicate ongoing efforts to promote national cohesion and peace within Somalia. The clear and unified stance of Nigeria and the AU serves to reinforce the collective desire to uphold the current international order and avert actions that could inadvertently destabilize states or ignite new disputes in an already sensitive region.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be closely observing the broader implications of Israel’s decision and the subsequent responses from key regional and global players. The firm voice of Nigeria and the African Union acts as a potent reminder of the paramount importance of diplomacy, adherence to established international principles, and the concerted pursuit of stability in this vital part of the world.
Source: Original Article
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