Kenya-Somalia Tensions Flare Over Somaliland Leader’s Visit to Nairobi
Diplomatic relations between Kenya and Somalia have taken another hit following the controversial arrival of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Nairobi for what his office described as a “strategic diplomatic visit.” The visit, which was intended to strengthen ties between Kenya and the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland, has instead reignited longstanding tensions, prompting Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue a swift statement reaffirming its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under the one-Somalia policy.
The latest diplomatic spat comes at a time when Kenya and Somalia are still navigating the fallout from previous disputes, including a contentious maritime border case and accusations of interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition, remains a sensitive issue for Mogadishu, which views any engagement with the breakaway region as a direct challenge to its sovereignty.
President Abdirahman, also known as Irro, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday, May 26, 2025, where he was received with formalities by Kenya’s Minister of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Ali Joho. The visit was initially framed by Somaliland’s Presidential Spokesman, Hussein Adan Igeh, as an effort to “strengthen diplomatic ties, foster regional cooperation, and advance Somaliland’s strategic engagement on the international stage.” However, the event quickly stirred controversy when Kenya abruptly canceled a planned launch of a Somaliland liaison office in Nairobi, citing a lack of official approval.
In a statement released hours after Abdirahman’s arrival, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the visit was not an endorsement of Somaliland’s independence. “Kenya reaffirms its recognition of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the semi-autonomous regions of Jubaland and Somaliland, under the Federal Government in Mogadishu,” the statement read. It further emphasized that Somaliland’s liaison office in Nairobi operates solely for commercial purposes and holds no diplomatic status.
The ministry’s statement appeared to be a calculated move to avoid antagonizing Mogadishu while maintaining pragmatic engagement with Somaliland, a region known for its relative stability and economic potential in the volatile Horn of Africa. However, the timing and optics of the visit have raised questions about Kenya’s diplomatic strategy, with some analysts describing it as a delicate balancing act.
Somalia’s Reaction and Regional Implications
Somalia’s Federal Government has not yet issued an official response to the visit, but sources indicate that Mogadishu is likely to view Kenya’s actions as provocative. Somalia has consistently opposed any international engagement with Somaliland, which it considers an integral part of its territory. Past incidents, such as Kenya’s hosting of Somaliland’s former leader Muse Bihi Abdi in December 2020, led to Somalia severing diplomatic ties with Nairobi and expelling Kenyan diplomats. That dispute was only resolved through Qatari mediation in May 2021.
The current situation risks escalating tensions further, particularly as Somalia prepares for its ongoing political and security challenges, including the fight against Al-Shabaab and the implementation of its federal system. Kenya, a key contributor to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with over 3,600 troops deployed, has a vested interest in maintaining stability in the region. However, its engagement with Somaliland, even if framed as commercial, could strain its role as a regional security partner.
Analysts suggest that Kenya’s approach reflects a pragmatic recognition of Somaliland’s de facto autonomy and economic promise, particularly in trade and security cooperation. Somaliland’s strategic port of Berbera, for instance, has attracted significant investment from countries like the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, the latter of which signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in 2023 for port access. Kenya’s interest in similar economic opportunities, including potential direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa, underscores its desire to maintain influence in the Horn of Africa.
A History of Strained Relations
The Kenya-Somalia relationship has been fraught with challenges over the years. A major point of contention has been a maritime boundary dispute in the Indian Ocean, which culminated in a 2021 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that largely favored Somalia. Kenya rejected the ruling, arguing that it undermined its territorial integrity, and the issue remains unresolved. Additionally, Somalia has accused Kenya of meddling in its internal affairs, particularly in supporting Jubaland’s regional leader Ahmed Madobe, who has clashed with Mogadishu’s central government.
Trade disputes, including Somalia’s periodic bans on Kenyan khat (miraa) exports, have further complicated relations. The khat trade, worth millions annually, is a significant economic link between the two nations, and disruptions have impacted Kenyan farmers and traders. Somalia’s demands for equal treatment, such as removing security checks on flights from Mogadishu to Nairobi, have also been a recurring source of friction.
Navigating a Diplomatic Tightrope
Kenya’s decision to host President Abdirahman while simultaneously reaffirming its one-Somalia policy highlights the delicate balance Nairobi is attempting to strike. By engaging with Somaliland, Kenya aims to secure economic and security benefits without formally recognizing its independence, a move that would likely provoke a severe backlash from Somalia and potentially destabilize the region. The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), of which both Kenya and Somalia are members, have consistently upheld Somalia’s territorial integrity, adding pressure on Kenya to tread carefully.
Some observers have praised Kenya’s approach as a model of pragmatic diplomacy. “Kenya is walking a tightrope,” said Dr. Amina Hassan, a Horn of Africa analyst based in Nairobi. “By maintaining open lines of communication with both Mogadishu and Hargeisa, Kenya is positioning itself as a regional mediator while safeguarding its own interests. It’s a risky but calculated strategy.”
Others, however, warn that Kenya’s actions could backfire. “Mogadishu is unlikely to see this as anything other than a betrayal,” said Abdi Yusuf, a political commentator in Mogadishu. “If Somalia perceives Kenya as undermining its sovereignty, we could see retaliatory measures like trade bans or even a push to limit Kenya’s role in ATMIS.”
As tensions simmer, regional stakeholders are calling for dialogue to prevent further escalation. Kenya has previously proposed a regional maritime treaty to address disputes like the one involving Ethiopia’s 2023 deal with Somaliland, which also sparked outrage in Mogadishu. Such a framework could provide a mechanism for resolving conflicts over shared resources and borders, but it requires cooperation from all parties involved.
For now, the focus remains on de-escalating the current crisis. Kenya’s Foreign Ministry has indicated its willingness to engage in talks with Somalia to clarify the nature of its interactions with Somaliland. Meanwhile, Somaliland’s leadership continues to push for greater international recognition, leveraging visits like the one to Nairobi to bolster its case.
As the Horn of Africa grapples with ongoing security and political challenges, the Kenya-Somalia-Somaliland triangle remains a flashpoint with far-reaching implications. Whether Nairobi’s diplomatic balancing act will lead to greater regional cooperation or further strife remains to be seen.