The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms condemns the Israeli occupation state’s unilateral recognition of Somaliland and warns against chaotic expansion in Africa

The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms strongly condemns, in the strongest legal terms, the unilateral and illegitimate recognition by the Israeli occupation state of what it calls “Somaliland.” The Association considers this action a flagrant violation of international law, a breach of the UN Charter, and of peremptory norms relating to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and the inviolability of their internal affairs. This act is a deliberate attempt to create illegitimate political situations by force and unilateral will, threatening regional and international stability and undermining the fundamental principles of international legitimacy and the resolutions of the Security Council and the African Union.

The Association believes that the occupying entity is pursuing a systematic policy of spreading chaos and destabilizing the region by dismantling nation-states, exploiting internal conflicts, and perpetuating political and security fragility to achieve illegitimate expansionist interests. This constitutes a clear violation of the rights of peoples to self-determination, territorial integrity, and sustainable development, and violates Israel’s international and regional legal obligations.

The Association holds the African Union politically responsible. The association finds it both ethically and security-wise unacceptable to allow this entity to operate within the African continent without oversight or controls, enabling it to implement its dangerous plans aimed at dividing the countries of the Horn of Africa, controlling the resources of African peoples, and undermining the national sovereignty of member states. This constitutes a blatant violation of the African Union Charter and African laws related to maintaining peace and security and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

The association affirms that the African continent is rich in natural resources, human capital, and diverse and rich cultures—a diversity that makes it a constant target for exploitation by traditional and former colonial powers, and today by occupying entities that thrive on chaos and division. The association warns against the expansion of the occupying entity’s disruptive activities in the Horn of Africa and its exploitation of existing conflicts to achieve its expansionist ambitions, which poses a direct threat to regional security and stability, as well as the rights of peoples to sovereignty and development.

The association also affirms that protecting the rights of minorities, local populations, and the constituent groups of African states can only be achieved through institutional national and regional mechanisms, within a framework of respect for the state and its sovereignty, and in accordance with relevant international conventions, foremost among them the United Nations Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The National Association for the Defense of Rights and Freedoms calls upon the international community, the Security Council, member states, the African Union, and relevant regional mechanisms to:

1. Reject and officially condemn unilateral recognitions and deem them null and void without legal effect.

2. Take deterrent measures against any state or entity that violates the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of African states.
3. Strengthen the role of the African Union and regional mechanisms in monitoring conflicts and preventing foreign interference to ensure the protection of security and stability.
4. Support the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and stand with the legitimate government against any attempts to divide the country or impose illegitimate situations.
5. Guarantee respect for the rights of minorities and local communities within African states, in accordance with international and regional charters.
The Association reiterates its full support for the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its solidarity with all African peoples, including minorities and local communities, in their legitimate right to sovereignty, independence, protection, and development within strong states and independent African mechanisms, free from any interference or unilateral recognition that threatens regional and international security and stability.