The AU has frozen the Somaliland debate: political solutions are needed
- Paul-Simon Handy and Selam Tadesse Demissie
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Original Authors: Paul-Simon Handy and Selam Tadesse Demissie
Original Publication: ISS Today (Institute for Security Studies)
Date: 11 February 2026
Curated Excerpt (Fair Use)
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December 2025 triggered rare continental cohesion across Africa, with the African Union, United Nations, European Union and regional blocs condemning the move as a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity. Yet, as Paul-Simon Handy and Selam Tadesse Demissie argue, strong condemnation has not translated into a political solution.
Writing for ISS Today, the authors contend that the AU Peace and Security Council’s firm rejection of unilateral recognition has effectively frozen debate without addressing the deeper political realities underpinning Somaliland’s longstanding quest for sovereignty. While the AU relies heavily on the 1964 Cairo Declaration principle of respecting colonial borders, Somaliland’s supporters invoke the same principle to justify independence within the borders of the former British protectorate. facto independent state since 1991, meeting the practical criteria of statehood through stable governance, democratic elections, security institutions, and control over its territory.
The article further highlights the ideological tension between Somaliland’s entrenched secessionist project and Somalia’s pan-Somalist foundations. It concludes that stabilisation efforts in Somalia must incorporate a structured political dialogue between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, warning that failure to do so risks further external instrumentalisation of the issue and erosion of AU credibility.
About the Publication
ISS Today is a policy platform of the Institute for Security Studies, an Africa-focused research organisation headquartered in Addis Ababa and Pretoria. The Institute provides analysis on governance, security, and regional political dynamics across the continent.
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