Nigeria has strongly reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the Horn of Africa, condemning actions that undermine its unity.
Okay News reports that the statement from Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, comes in direct response to Israel’s formal recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent state on December 26, 2025.
Tuggar emphasised Nigeria’s unequivocal support for Somalia’s government in Mogadishu as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people.
He commended ongoing national reconciliation efforts and expressed solidarity against any rhetoric or actions threatening Somalia’s constitutional order.
The minister urged international actors to respect Somalia’s borders and support institutions aimed at building a stable and prosperous nation.
He highlighted that Somalia’s stability is vital for peace in the Horn of Africa and the broader continent, pledging Nigeria’s continued backing through multilateral frameworks.
Tuggar warned that recognising any part of Somalia as separate could heighten regional tensions and exacerbate existing challenges.
Nigeria upholds principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as outlined in the United Nations Charter and the African Union’s Constitutive Act.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate in northern Somalia, unilaterally declared independence in 1991 amid civil war but has functioned autonomously with its own government, currency, and elections.
Israel’s move, marking a significant diplomatic shift, has prompted widespread criticism from the African Union and countries prioritising Somalia’s unity.
