By Spy Uganda
Pan African Pyramid (PAP) has condemned reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, warning that such a move would undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and risk destabilising the already fragile Horn of Africa region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, PAP said the reported position would violate international law and the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference, arguing that it threatens the territorial integrity and unity of Somalia, a recognised member of both the African Union and the United Nations.
According to PAP founding Speaker and Chairman, Mr Andrew Irumba Katusabe, Somalia’s sovereignty is rooted in a long and painful struggle against colonial partition and foreign domination. Somalia was divided under British and Italian colonial rule before gaining independence and uniting in 1960, a process that laid the foundation for its modern statehood.
“Despite decades of civil conflict, foreign interventions and economic challenges, Somalia has continued efforts to rebuild its state institutions and defend its territorial integrity,” the statement read. “Any attempt to undermine this hard-won sovereignty is a profound insult to generations of Somalis who fought to preserve national unity.”
Background On Somaliland
Somaliland, located in north-western Somalia, declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali central government. Since then, it has operated with its own administration, security forces and electoral processes. However, it has not been recognised as an independent state by the African Union, the United Nations or any major international body, which continue to regard it as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
The African Union has consistently maintained that recognising Somaliland could set a precedent for secessionist movements across the continent, potentially reopening colonial-era borders and fuelling instability in fragile regions. Somalia’s federal government has repeatedly rejected any attempts at international recognition of Somaliland, insisting that the country’s unity remains non-negotiable.
Israel’s regional interests
Israel has in recent years sought to expand its diplomatic and security footprint in Africa, particularly in strategically important regions such as the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor, which are vital for global trade and maritime security. Analysts say any move to recognise Somaliland would likely be viewed through the lens of regional geopolitics and security competition, given Somaliland’s proximity to key shipping routes linking the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
PAP warned that unilateral recognition of Somaliland by Israel could heighten political tensions and security risks in the Horn of Africa, a region already grappling with conflict, humanitarian challenges and competing foreign interests. The organisation described the reported move as a geopolitical manoeuvre that risks encouraging fragmentation and external exploitation.
Mr Katusabe said Africa’s political questions must be resolved by Africans themselves through dialogue, constitutional processes and continental mechanisms, rather than through foreign interference.
“At a time when Pan-African institutions and progressive movements are championing unity and self-determination, external actors promoting divisionism and secessionist agendas must be firmly rejected,” he said.
PAP commended the African Union, the United Nations and other international bodies for their silence. The organisation reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and called on all foreign governments to respect African sovereignty and international law.
Pan African Pyramid has urged African states and institutions to remain vigilant against actions it says were designed to divide the continent for foreign interests, emphasising the need for African solidarity in safeguarding peace and stability.
