Somaliland President finds himself in awkward position as he arrives in Nairobi

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi has found himself in a sticky position in Nairobi after Kenya stopped the inauguration of its liaison office in Nairobi, which was scheduled to take place today, and affirmed the sovereignty of Somalia.

President Abdullahi jetted into the country on Monday evening and was received by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.

His arrival came hours after the ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs issued a note verbale 9diplomatic note), saying the event will not take place even as it stated that Kenya would maintain its relations with regional governments, including Somaliland.

“The Government of the Republic of Kenya maintains and respectfully reaffirms its unwavering recognition of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a sovereign State,” the note verbale said.

“The event of the 27th May 2025 has not been granted approval from this Ministry. Its investiture of the status of a Diplomatic Office does not enjoy the imprimatur of the Republic of Kenya and cannot be allowed to proceed,” it added. .

In a statement, Hussein Adan Igeh, the spokesman for the Somaliland presidency, had indicated that in advance of the arrival of President Abdullahi’s delegation, his Special Envoy and Economic Advisor travelled to Nairobi to oversee preparatory arrangements and facilitate early engagements.

President Abdullahi, also known as Irro, is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Minister of the Presidency, Minister of Planning, Minister of Communications and Technology, Director of the National Intelligence Service, and the Chief of Staff, according to a statement released by the Somaliland Presidency.

During the visit, he is expected to hold talks with Kenyan President William Ruto and other top government officials to discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly related to trade, security, and diplomatic cooperation.

“The President of the Republic of Somaliland and his delegation, during their stay in Nairobi, will hold meetings with the government of Kenya led by President William Ruto, discussing key issues of particular importance to the Republic of Somaliland,” the official statement read.

The visit also includes engagements with international organisations and several foreign embassies based in Nairobi, reflecting Somaliland’s efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint.

Following the turn of events, it is, however, not yet clear whether he will meet with either President Ruto or Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi.

Kenya has previously sought to strengthen diplomatic ties with the breakaway region, which has been seeking international recognition, amid resistance from Mogadishu and the latest move came as a shocker to diplomatic watchers.

Separately, Kenya also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and political independence of Somalia.

“In this regard, Kenya unequivocally recognizes the authority of the Federal Government in Mogadishu as the sole and legitimate body responsible for administering the affairs of Somalia, including those pertaining to its regions. This position is firmly grounded in Kenya’s adherence to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Treaty and Protocols of the East African Community as well as Kenya’s Foreign Policy. These instruments uphold the values of non-interference in the internal affairs of States and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” the ministry said in a statement.

It said the longstanding relationship between Kenya and Somalia is anchored on deep historical ties, shared cultural heritage, and enduring bonds of kinship.

“These foundations continue to inform our collective aspirations for peace, security, and sustainable development in the region. The Government of Kenya, therefore, considers Somalia as a strategic ally in advancing these shared objectives, and reaffirms its commitment to fostering bilateral relations based on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and recognition of territorial integrity. As Somalia continues to advance its state-building and institutional development agenda, the Government of Kenya stands ready to support these efforts through sustained dialogue, enhanced regional cooperation, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” the statement added.

“To advance the partnership, Kenya will maintain contact and relations with sub-national governments in Jubaland and Somaliland, and in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia to establish contact and as well as diplomatic presence as may be agreed from time to time with the aim of supporting security cooperation and commercial interests and in line with the principles of mutual respect and good neighbourliness,” it added.