JOHANNESBURG - South Africa on Monday voiced concerns over Israel's recent announcement recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.

In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African government said the recognition constitutes a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and a direct threat to peace in the Horn of Africa.

"We uphold the African Union's principle of uti possidetis, the sanctity of inherited borders as the continent's essential safeguard against conflict," the statement said. "We distinguish unequivocally between decolonization and secession. The former restores sovereignty; the latter dismantles it. Israel's action validates fragmentation and risks a domino effect of instability."

ALSO READ: Houthi leader warns of military action over potential Israeli presence in Somaliland

In the statement, South Africa urged the international community to reject this external interference and support a united, stable Somalia.