NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, emphasizing strong bilateral ties built on shared history and mutual trust.
In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Kenya said it “unequivocally recognizes the authority of the Federal Government in Mogadishu as the sole and legitimate body responsible for administering the affairs of Somalia, including those about its regions.”
Kenya said its position is grounded in its adherence to international principles outlined in the UN Charter, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Treaty and Protocols of the East African Community, which promote non-interference and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“The longstanding relationship between Kenya and Somalia is anchored on deep historical ties, shared cultural heritage, and enduring bonds of kinship,” the statement read, adding that these foundations continue to inform both countries’ aspirations for “peace, security, and sustainable development in the region.”
Kenya said it considers Somalia “a strategic ally” in advancing these shared objectives and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering bilateral relations based on “mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and recognition of territorial integrity.”
As Somalia continues its state-building and institutional development agenda, Kenya said it stands ready to support these efforts “through sustained dialogue, enhanced regional cooperation, and mutually beneficial partnerships.”
Kenya also said it will maintain contact and relations with sub-national governments in Jubaland and Somaliland and, in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia, work to establish contact and diplomatic presence “as may be agreed from time to time.”
Kenya said this aims to support security cooperation and commercial interests “in line with the principles of mutual respect and good neighborliness.”
Background on Jubaland and Somaliland
Kenya’s statement comes against ongoing regional tensions involving Jubaland and Somaliland.
Jubaland, a federal member state in southern Somalia, has experienced repeated political friction with the central government, particularly after Ahmed Madobe’s re-election as president.
Kenya was previously seen as having strong ties with Jubaland’s leadership, leading to diplomatic strains with Mogadishu. The Jubaland crisis has highlighted unresolved issues around federalism, regional autonomy, and the balance of power within Somalia’s governance framework.
On the other hand, Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. While it has maintained a separate administration, security apparatus, and electoral system, its claim to statehood remains unrecognized by the international community, including Kenya.
Kenya’s relations with Somaliland have evolved over the past several years as part of a broader regional engagement strategy.
In 2019, Kenya dispatched an envoy to establish a mission in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, following a series of high-level exchanges. The move was interpreted as a step toward enhancing trade and cooperation, even though Somaliland remains unrecognized internationally.
In December 2020, Kenya and Somaliland agreed to open a Kenyan consulate in Hargeisa and launch direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa, reflecting Nairobi’s growing interest in bolstering ties with the breakaway region.
However, by explicitly affirming the authority of the Federal Government of Somalia, Kenya is reinforcing its commitment to a unified Somali state, even as it acknowledges the complex realities of regional governance and sub-national entities within Somalia.