Nigeria, Dec. 27 -- The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed the African Union's unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia.

The African Union administrative arm said it has taken note, with deep concern, of recent developments relating to Somaliland.

"In this regard, the Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, in particular the respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity."

Israel on Friday became t...