Uganda has dismissed Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, saying the self-declared region is a result of prolonged instability in Somalia.

Speaking by phone on Monday, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, said Uganda fully aligns with the African Union’s position, which opposes the recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state.

Oryem emphasized that Uganda adheres to the long-standing principle adopted in the 1960s that national borders established at independence must be preserved. He noted that such boundaries can only be altered through constitutional means or by the will of the people expressed in a referendum.

He described Somaliland as a product of Somalia’s extended insecurity, stressing that the African Union recognizes only states that emerged at independence in the 1960s and 1970s with clearly defined borders and sovereignty. For this reason, Uganda cannot support Israel’s recent move, he added.

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced on Friday that Israel had signed an agreement with Somaliland on mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations.

Following the announcement, several Arab and Muslim countries issued a joint statement on Saturday condemning Israel’s decision and reaffirming their support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.