Kenya reiterates commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty amid Somaliland dispute

The Kenyan Government has restated its steadfast support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia, clearly rejecting any recognition of Somaliland as a separate state.

This statement reinforces Kenya’s consistent stance that the federal government based in Mogadishu is the only legitimate authority governing all Somali regions.

In a press release from the State Department of Foreign Affairs dated Monday, May 26, 2025, Kenya reiterated its strong support for Somalia, emphasizing that this firm stance is rooted in the deep historical connections, shared cultural heritage, and lasting kinship between the two countries.

The Government of the Republic of Kenya has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and political independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The statement clearly affirms Kenya’s recognition of the Federal Government in Mogadishu as the sole legitimate authority responsible for managing Somalia’s affairs, including its regional matters.

Kenya further emphasized that its support for Somalia is firmly rooted in its respect for international and regional legal frameworks.

These frameworks include the United Nations Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, the East African Community Treaty and Protocols, as well as Kenya’s own Foreign Policy, all of which advocate for respect of sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution.

"This stance is firmly anchored in Kenya’s commitment to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, the East African Community Treaty and Protocols, alongside Kenya’s foreign policy," the statement emphasized.

"These frameworks uphold the values of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and the peaceful settlement of conflicts."

The Kenyan government also highlighted that its interactions with sub-national regions such as Jubaland and Somaliland are carried out in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, to facilitate communication and establish diplomatic presence as mutually agreed.

This approach aims to promote security collaboration and commercial interests, guided by the principles of mutual respect and good neighborliness.

"To strengthen the partnership, Kenya will continue engaging with sub-national administrations in Jubaland and Somaliland, and in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia, will establish contact and diplomatic representation as agreed, with the goal of supporting security cooperation and trade in accordance with mutual respect and good neighborliness," the statement added.

This reaffirmation comes at a pivotal moment for the Horn of Africa, a region characterized by intricate political situations and ongoing security concerns.

It followed just a few weeks after Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen held a confidential meeting with his Somali counterpart, Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, where they addressed the rising security threats along the Kenya-Somalia border.

Although officially hailed as a productive bilateral discussion, the high-level meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, sparked curiosity among diplomatic and security experts, especially coming just days after the high-profile release of the kidnapped officials.

Murkomen posted a concise recap of the meeting on social media, highlighting the longstanding ties between Kenya and Somalia, built on shared culture, trade, people-to-people connections, kinship, as well as security and defense cooperation.

The Somali delegation featured Deputy Police Chief Brig. Gen. Osman Abudalli, Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, and Immigration Director General, Mustafa Duhulow.

On the Kenyan side, the team was led by Ambassador to Somalia Cyprian Kubai Iringo alongside senior representatives from the Ministry of Interior.

Key points of discussion centered on border security and immigration control—areas that have seen increasing tensions in recent months.