CAPE TOWN – South Africa on Monday warned that any move by Israel to recognise the self-declared state of Somaliland as an independent country would pose a “direct threat” to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement expressing deep concern, South Africa’s foreign ministry said such recognition would violate Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Israel’s action legitimises fragmentation and risks triggering a chain of instability in an already fragile region,” the ministry said.
Pretoria stressed that it draws a “clear and unequivocal distinction” between decolonisation and secession. “The former restores sovereignty, while the latter dismantles it,” the statement added.
The ministry said more than 22 countries had voiced support for Somalia and condemned the move, which they described as a breach of international law and an infringement on Somalia’s unity.
