The African Union on Thursday called on Israel to revoke its unilateral recognition of what it referred to as the “Republic of Somaliland,” reaffirming its opposition to any external interference that undermines Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.

The statement was issued by the AU Peace and Security Council following a foreign ministers’ meeting in Addis Ababa to discuss the situation in Somalia and the operations of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

“We reject all forms of external interference aimed at dividing Somalia and condemn any act that undermines its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” the council said.

“We strongly condemn and reject Israel’s unilateral recognition of the so-called Republic of Somaliland and call on it to immediately reverse the decision,” it added.

Israel announced on Dec. 26 that it recognised Somaliland as a sovereign state, a move that has drawn widespread regional criticism.

There was no immediate comment from Israel on the AU statement.