BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau — Guinea-Bissau has firmly denied reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets claiming it is planning to recognise Somaliland as an independent state.
In a statement issued on July 26, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Communities said the reports were false and that there was no plan, dialogue or official process under way regarding the recognition of Somaliland.
The ministry said Guinea-Bissau’s foreign policy is based on respect for international law, the United Nations Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
It added that all decisions concerning the country’s foreign policy are communicated exclusively through official government channels, urging the public and media outlets to rely on verified information from official sources.
The reports, which spread widely on social media in recent days, claimed that Guinea-Bissau was preparing to recognise Somaliland, the self-declared republic that has sought international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.
The government said the claims were baseless and stressed that it had taken no action related to recognising Somaliland.
The statement comes as Somalia’s federal government continues diplomatic efforts to bolster international support for the country’s unity and territorial integrity. Most African states continue to uphold the African Union’s longstanding principle of respecting the sovereignty and internationally recognised borders of member states.
