Nigeria, Feb. 11 -- Israel's December 2025 recognition of Somaliland, a secessionist northern part of Somalia, set off a series of political and diplomatic shockwaves in the Horn of Africa and the Arabic Peninsula. In a region already facing acute tensions amid global geopolitical reconfigurations, how the African Union (AU) handles the fallout will be key.

Somalia rejected the move as an infringement on its territorial integrity. Most regional and international organisations, including the AU, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, United Nations (UN), European Union and Arab League, condemned Israel's actions, citing violations of international law, the AU's Constitutive Act and the UN Charter.

Some countries known for their oppo...