Nigeria and several Arab countries have rejected Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the federal government recognises only the Government of Somalia as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people. The statement came hours after Israel announced its formal recognition of Somaliland, becoming the first country to take such a position.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a protracted conflict led by the Somali National Movement against the regime of former president Siad Barre. Although the region has since operated with its own government, currency, military, and electoral system, it has not gained international recognition and is still considered part of Somalia by the United Nations and the wider international community.

Somalia has consistently rejected Somaliland’s claim to independence.

In the statement signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienta, Nigeria expressed firm and unequivocal support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and statehood.

“Nigeria recognises the Government of Somalia as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people and commends its continued efforts to achieve peace, security, and national reconciliation despite significant challenges,” the statement said.

The government also stressed that Somalia’s stability is critical to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and across the African continent.

Nigeria warned international actors against recognising any part of Somalia as an independent entity, noting that such actions could further escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.

The position was echoed in a joint statement issued by Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, Yemen, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The countries cautioned that recognising parts of sovereign states sets a dangerous precedent, threatens international peace and security, and violates fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Earlier, Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, described Israel’s action as a deliberate attack on his country’s sovereignty, saying Somalia categorically and unequivocally rejects the move.