Kenya Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Kenya Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Sovereignty

Nairobi, Kenya – May 26, 2025 — The Government of Kenya has reiterated its firm commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following growing concerns over its recent engagements with regional actors from the breakaway Somaliland region and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration.

In an official statement released today, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nairobi continues to recognize the Federal Government of the Republic of Somalia as the sole legitimate authority representing the Somali people. The ministry stressed that any interaction with the regions of Somaliland and Jubaland is strictly limited to matters of regional security and coordination — and only conducted in consultation with Somalia’s federal authorities.

“Kenya respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Our engagements with Somaliland and Jubaland are limited to enhancing regional security and stability, and are done in full consultation with the federal government in Mogadishu,” the statement read.

The reaffirmation comes on the heels of two politically sensitive visits to Nairobi. The President of Somaliland, a region which has declared independence from Somalia but remains internationally unrecognized, arrived in Nairobi earlier today for what officials have described as a “private” visit. Meanwhile, Ahmed Madobe, the former President of Jubaland whose term expired without holding elections and who is no longer recognized by Somalia’s federal authorities, reportedly spent the past week in Nairobi before departing to an undisclosed third country.

In a separate development, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that it will not permit the opening of a Somaliland liaison office in Nairobi — a move that had previously been rumored and widely criticized. Officials confirmed that plans to establish such an office have been stopped.

This clarification follows mounting regional criticism that Kenya has become a haven for opposition movements destabilizing countries in the region including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan. Kenya’s hosting of dissident figures from Somalia — particularly Ahmed Madobe — has long been a source of quiet frustration in Mogadishu.

Diplomatic sources say Somalia’s federal government has expressed discontent over Kenya’s continued support for Madobe, who failed to organize elections in Jubaland and whose legitimacy is no longer recognized by Mogadishu.

Kenya, however, has sought to frame its position as one of regional peacebuilding and dialogue.

Observers say today’s statements may signal an attempt by Kenya to strengthen ties with Somalia, as both countries navigate complex regional dynamics and security challenges in the Horn of Africa.