Michael Kaloki

In a swift response, Somalia's government termed Israel's move as an unlawful step, claiming that Somaliland is an inseparable part of Somalia.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but until now, it had not been officially recognized as an independent state by any country.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel recognises Somaliland as a sovereign state and plans to immediately expand its relations with Somaliland through extensive cooperation in various sectors.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssef, said he rejects any recognition of Somaliland, adding that the African Union had an unwavering commitment to the unity of Somalia.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Kaloki in Nairobi.

In a swift response, Somalia's government termed Israel's move as an unlawful step, claiming that Somaliland is an inseparable part of Somalia.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but until now, it had not been officially recognized as an independent state by any country.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel recognizes Somaliland as a sovereign state and plans to immediately expand its relations with Somaliland

through extensive cooperation in various sectors.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Youssef, said he rejects any recognition of Somaliland, adding that the African Union had an unwavering commitment to the unity of Somalia.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, says the agency has documented 65 attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan since January of this year.

Ghebreyesus added that the most recent attack occurred last weekend at a facility in the town of Dalanj in the country's South Kordofan state.

Fighting between the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, and the Sudanese Armed Forces has been going on for more than two years now.

Last month, the International Rescue Committee warned that the conflict in Sudan has devastated the country's health system, leaving millions of people without access to essential medical care.

For NPR News, I'm Michael Kaloki in Nairobi.

According to the World Food Programme, the reduction in food rations due to commence next year is as a result of severe funding shortages.

The United Nations recently issued an appeal for funds, noting that $2.9 billion is required to provide the life-saving aid to 20 million people in Sudan.

Fighting between the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, and the Sudanese Armed Forces has been going on for more than two years now.

Last month, famine was declared in two cities in the country's Darfur region, following an 18-month siege by the RSF of Al-Fasher and Kadugli.

The UN warns that the conflict in Sudan has created the world's largest displacement crisis.