The Kenyan government has pulled the brakes on a planned inauguration of the Somaliland Liaison Office into a diplomatic office citing the country's "unwavering recognition" of the federal government of Somalia.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the State Department for Foreign Affairs directed that the event scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, be abandoned as it had not received necessary approval. "The Ministry further 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," read the statement.
Just hours before the ban, Kenya reaffirmed her recognition of the federal government of Somalia amid speculation of a planned Nairobi visit of Somaliland President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi.
In the initial statement, Kenya said that it acknowledged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's federal administration out of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity and political independence of Somalia. "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," read the statement in part. "The government of Kenya 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." According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya will seek concurrence of the federal government of Somalia as it continues diplomatic engagements with both Jubaland and Somaliland.
