Nigeria warns against fragmentation of Somalia, calls for international support for peace efforts
Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its recognition of the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia as the sole legitimate authority representing the Somali people, commending its ongoing efforts to achieve peace, security and national reconciliation despite persistent challenges.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria reiterated its firm commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all United Nations and African Union member states. The statement emphasised Nigeria’s “unwavering and unequivocal support” for the unity, sovereignty and statehood of Somalia.
Nigeria expressed solidarity with Somalia and strongly condemned any actions, statements or initiatives that seek to undermine the country’s constitutional order or territorial integrity. It called on regional and international actors to fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty and to support its national institutions as they work towards rebuilding a stable, peaceful and resilient state.
According to the Nigerian government, Somalia’s stability is critical not only to the Horn of Africa but also to peace and security across the African continent. Nigeria therefore pledged to continue supporting Somalia through multilateral engagements and international cooperation.
The statement also issued a clear warning to the international community, urging actors to refrain from recognising any part of Somalia’s territory as an independent entity, noting that such actions would only exacerbate existing tensions and deepen the crisis.
In December 2025, Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland — a breakaway region in northern Somalia that declared independence in 1991 but had not previously been recognised internationally.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland’s president signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, including plans for embassies and cooperation in agriculture, health, technology and economic areas. Israel framed the move as part of efforts in the “spirit of the Abraham Accords”, a series of normalisation agreements with Arab and Muslim-majority states.
