- Kenya cancels the opening of Somaliland’s new office in Nairobi.
- The event lacked official clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Somaliland President had already arrived in Kenya ahead of the ceremony.
- Kenya maintains its recognition of Somalia’s federal government only.
- Somaliland’s push for diplomatic presence continues despite the setback.
Kenya has stopped the planned launch of a new Somaliland Liaison Office in Nairobi just a day before it was scheduled. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the Tuesday event had no official approval and must not proceed.
“Since the event was not approved by this Ministry, it cannot be treated as having the diplomatic status of a formal office,” the ministry said in a firm statement on Monday, May 26.
This move comes shortly after Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) arrived in Nairobi. He had been received by Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho, signaling the importance placed on the occasion by Somaliland.
Kenya Reaffirms Stand on Somalia, Rejects Office Status
While Somaliland has opened similar offices in various countries, Kenya insisted that the planned Nairobi office does not hold any official diplomatic recognition. The ministry clarified that Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu remains the only recognised authority over all Somali regions.
“Kenya affirms its support for the government in Mogadishu as the only body authorized to manage Somalia’s affairs,” the ministry added.
Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised globally, said preparations for the launch had already started. Its spokesperson, Hussein Adan Ige, revealed that senior officials were already in Nairobi to handle logistics and early meetings.
“The President’s Special Envoy and Economic Advisor had already arrived in Nairobi to support the planning,” read a statement from the Somaliland side.
Although Kenya blocked the event, it acknowledged the existing relationship with Somaliland, especially in areas like trade and regional security. But it remained clear that the new office would not carry any official diplomatic weight.
President Irro’s visit goes on as Somaliland continues pushing for regional influence and international recognition, despite the diplomatic roadblock in Nairobi.
