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On May 26, 2025, the Government of Kenya issued a public statement reaffirming its recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) as the sole authority over all Somali territories, including Somaliland. While framed as a reaffirmation of support for sovereignty and regional cooperation, this statement is a troubling act of diplomatic disregard that dismisses decades of Somaliland’s de facto independence, peaceful governance, and legitimate quest for international recognition.
Kenya’s declaration, though couched in the language of unity and non-interference, is a clear denial of the political and historical reality on the ground. Since 1991, the Republic of Somaliland has rebuilt itself from the ashes of civil war into a functioning democracy with its own constitution, security apparatus, and independent institutions. In contrast to the instability that persists in southern Somalia, Somaliland has maintained peace, held credible elections, and earned the respect of regional and international actors through pragmatic diplomacy and internal stability.
To label the Federal Government of Somalia as “the sole and legitimate body” for all Somali territories including Somaliland is not only inaccurate but dangerously misleading. Kenya, a nation that has endured cross-border security threats due to Somalia’s volatility, should recognize that stability in the Horn of Africa depends on dealing with the reality of two distinct and separate Somali administrations.
The statement also makes reference to “shared cultural heritage” and “enduring bonds of kinship” between Kenya and Somalia. But this overlooks Somaliland’s own unique historical path. Somaliland voluntarily united with Somalia in 1960 but unilaterally withdrew from that union in 1991 after years of marginalization and state-sponsored violence. Since then, Somaliland has held multiple peaceful transitions of power, an achievement that remains elusive in Somalia.
Kenya’s assertion that it will engage with sub-national governments in Somaliland “in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia” is especially insulting. This implies that Somaliland is a subordinate actor within Somalia’s federal structure, a view that ignores its hard-won autonomy and the political will of its people.
By reaffirming Mogadishu’s authority over Somaliland, Kenya risks alienating a vital and stable partner in the Horn and undermines its own credibility as a regional leader. Rather than reinforcing the fiction of Somali unity, Kenya would do better to adopt a pragmatic, fact-based foreign policy that recognizes Somaliland as a distinct political entity.
Somaliland does not seek conflict. We seek constructive engagement, recognition, and partnerships built on mutual respect. Kenya has an opportunity to be part of the solution in the Horn of Africa. But that requires courage and the political maturity to acknowledge reality, not just rhetoric.
If peace and stability are truly Kenya’s goals, then its diplomacy must reflect the facts on the ground and extend respect to the people and government of Somaliland.
Mustafe Jambir
Researcher, Geopolitics and Foreign Relations
Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland
May 27, 2025
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