Somaliland Condemns Somalia’s EAC Membership, Claims Violations

The Somaliland government called on the African Union, East African Community, and the United Nations to recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty, stating that Somalia’s entry into the regional bloc goes against the principles of international law.

“We urge the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and EAC member states to recognize Somaliland’s distinct identity and sovereignty. Somalia’s accession to the EAC without Somaliland’s consent is a grave injustice and undermines the principles of international law,” the statement added.

It came a day after Somalia was officially admitted as the 8th member of the East African Community during the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State on Friday.

“The Summit considered the report on the negotiations for the admission of the Federal Republic of Somalia into the East African Community, and decided to admit the Federal Republic of Somalia as a full member of the East African Community,” reads the Joint communique of the EAC leaders.

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali government, which lead to civil war, and the destruction of government institutions. However, the secession movement did not meet the joint support from all communities and tribes within Somaliland.