South Africa rebukes Israel for Somalia stance

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The South African Government on Tuesday noted with concern the recent announcement by Israel recognising Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state.

It said the recognition constitutes a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and a direct threat to peace in the Horn of Africa.

“We uphold the African Union’s principle of uti possidetis the sanctity of inherited borders as the continent’s essential safeguard against conflict. We distinguish unequivocally between decolonisation and secession. The former restores sovereignty; the latter dismantles it. Israel’s action validates fragmentation and risks a domino effect of instability,” said government spokesperson Chrispin Phiri. 

He said Pretoria urges the international community to reject this external interference and support a united, stable Somalia.

-0- PANA CU/MA 30Dec2025