Written by Lisa Murimi
Kenya has abruptly cancelled the scheduled inauguration of a new Somaliland Liaison Office in Nairobi, citing a lack of official approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 26, the ministry directed that the event, planned for Tuesday, May 27, be abandoned.
“The Ministry further notes with concern that to the extent the event of May 27 has not been approved by 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,” a statement issued read in part.
The decision came just hours after Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) arrived in Nairobi and was welcomed by Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.
The planned ceremony was seen as a move to elevate Somaliland’s diplomatic footprint in Kenya.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is not internationally recognized. Its offices abroad operate as liaison missions rather than formal embassies.
The Somaliland government said it had already dispatched senior officials to Nairobi to oversee preparations.
”In advance of the delegation’s arrival, the President’s Special Envoy and Economic Advisor travelled to Nairobi to oversee preparatory arrangements and facilitate early engagements,” read a statement by Hussein Adan Igeh, Spokesman for the President of the Republic of Somaliland.
Kenya, in reaffirming its position, emphasized its recognition of Somalia’s federal government as the only legitimate authority.
“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 of its regions,” read the statement in part.
While halting the inauguration, Kenya reaffirmed its ongoing engagement with Somaliland in trade and security. However, it stressed that the liaison office does not hold formal diplomatic status.
”The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Liaison Office of Somaliland in Nairobi the assurances of its highest consideration,” the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded.
President Irro’s visit continues as part of Somaliland’s broader push for regional influence and international recognition.
