Kenya has officially suspended the inauguration of a planned Somaliland liaison office in Nairobi, amid rising diplomatic sensitivities with Somalia and a reaffirmation of its support for the Federal Government in Mogadishu.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, May 26, the State Department for Foreign Affairs directed that the scheduled event on Tuesday, May 27, be called off, citing the lack of official approval and Kenya’s longstanding diplomatic position on Somalia’s sovereignty.
“The Ministry notes with concern that to the extent the event of 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,” the statement read.
This decision comes hours after the government reaffirmed its recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as the sole legitimate authority representing the entire Somali territory, including the breakaway region of Somaliland.
“Kenya unequivocally recognises 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,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry declared.
The cancelled event was widely believed to be tied to an unconfirmed visit to Nairobi by Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, who was reportedly set to preside over the inauguration of the office — a move that would have escalated tensions with Mogadishu.
While Kenya has in the past engaged unofficially with Somaliland due to strategic interests in trade and regional stability, the latest development reflects a deliberate effort to avoid undermining Somalia’s unity or fueling secessionist tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Kenya emphasized that any further diplomatic engagement with regional administrations like Somaliland and Jubaland would be conducted in consultation with the Somali federal government.
The statement also underscores the broader context of regional cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism and economic partnerships. Somalia remains one of Kenya’s crucial trade partners — notably for Miraa exports — and a key ally in regional security matters.
“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.
Somalia, meanwhile, is grappling with internal political challenges, including Somaliland’s contested declaration of independence and disputes surrounding the reelection of Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe — issues that continue to strain the federal government’s authority.
Kenya’s move to suspend the liaison office inauguration appears to be a strategic diplomatic recalibration aimed at preserving bilateral ties with Somalia while maintaining its regional influence.
