Kenya is staring at yet another diplomatic standoff with Somalia following the inauguration of a new Somaliland liaison office in Nairobi—a move that risks reigniting tensions with the Federal Government of Somalia.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, who has been in Nairobi since Monday, May 26, 2025, officially opened the office after what he described as productive talks with President William Ruto.

Irro said discussions with President Ruto on Thursday focused on bilateral relations and concluded with a “good understanding.”

The visit marks a significant step in Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to build international partnerships despite its lack of official recognition as an independent state.

The opening of the liaison office underscores the region’s determination to establish its diplomatic presence and attract foreign engagement.

However, the move has raised concerns in Mogadishu and within sections of the Kenyan government, which has traditionally upheld Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Kenya has repeatedly reiterated its recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia as the only legitimate authority over Somali territories, including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.

Ahead of the inauguration, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs released a diplomatic note clarifying that the Kenyan government had not approved the establishment of a diplomatic office.

“To the extent that the event of May 27, 2025, has not been granted approval from this Ministry, its investiture of the status of a Diplomatic Office does not enjoy the imprimatur of the Republic of Kenya and cannot be allowed to proceed,” the ministry stated in a letter addressed to the Somaliland Liaison Office in Nairobi.

The ministry reaffirmed Kenya’s “unwavering recognition” of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a sovereign state.