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The Government of Kenya, through its Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, has issued a formal statement clarifying its position regarding the purported opening of a Somaliland Liaison Office in Nairobi scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
In an official communiqué addressed to the Somaliland Liaison Office, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs reaffirmed its unwavering recognition of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a sovereign state. The ministry emphasized that the Government of Kenya respects and upholds Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This announcement follows reports of a planned inauguration of a Somaliland diplomatic mission in Nairobi. However, the Ministry explicitly stated that no official approval had been granted for such an event. As a result, the planned activity does not have the legal endorsement of the Kenyan government and, according to the statement, “cannot be allowed to proceed.”
While Kenya acknowledged its constructive relations with Somaliland and other regional administrations within Somalia—especially those aimed at enhancing peace, security, trade, and investment—the Ministry clarified that any diplomatic or official recognition must align with Kenya’s foreign policy and respect for Somalia’s sovereignty.
The Kenyan government reiterated its continued support for Somalia’s state-building and institutional development initiatives. Through sustained dialogue and partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, Kenya affirmed its readiness to back Somalia’s efforts in promoting regional cooperation and development.
The Ministry concluded its statement by offering its highest consideration to the Somaliland Liaison Office, reinforcing diplomatic courtesy while firmly maintaining its stance.
This development underscores the delicate balance Kenya maintains in managing diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa, particularly amid complex dynamics between Somalia and Somaliland—a self-declared independent region yet to gain international recognition.
Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region in northern Somalia, has long sought international recognition as an independent state since it declared independence in 1991. While it operates with its own government institutions, passports, and currency, no country, including Kenya, has officially recognized it as a sovereign state. Kenya’s decision to reject the opening of a liaison office without prior approval underscores the broader geopolitical sensitivities in the region.
As the situation evolves, observers will be closely watching how Somalia and Somaliland respond and whether this incident affects diplomatic ties in the region.