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Inside Ruto’s meeting with Somaliland president Abdirahman Mohamed
Friday 30th May, 2025 11:33 AM|
President William Ruto on Thursday, May 29, 2025, hosted the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), during an official visit to Kenya.
In a statement shared by the Spokesman for the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Hussein Aden Igeh (Deyr), on Friday, May 30, 2025, the meeting held in Nairobi focused on deepening bilateral ties and advancing regional cooperation.
“On May 29, 2025, during his official visit to the Republic of Kenya, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), President of the Republic of Somaliland, held a cordial and productive meeting with William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya,” the statement read in part.
Details of the meeting
During the meeting, both presidents committed to enhancing trade, investment, and economic development between Kenya and Somaliland, with a special focus on improving air connectivity to facilitate trade and travel.
According to Igeh, the two heads of state also reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace and security in the Horn of Africa by countering violent extremism.
In addition, the leaders discussed strengthening education and institutional development through academic exchanges, capacity building for public institutions, and expanding vocational training opportunities to empower the youth.
“The two heads of state engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on matters of mutual interest and regional significance, with particular attention to bilateral cooperation – including the promotion of trade, investment, economic development, and enhanced air connectivity,” the statement read in part.
“Peace and Regional Stability – with a shared commitment to countering violent extremism, fostering regional security, and supporting peacebuilding efforts in the Horn of Africa; and Education and Institutional Development – focusing on academic exchange, capacity-building of public institutions, and expanding vocational training opportunities for youth.”
The meeting underscored the strong and longstanding partnership between Somaliland and Kenya, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
“The meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding relationship between Somaliland and Kenya — a partnership anchored in mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for peace, stability, and prosperity across the region,” the statement read in part.
Diplomatic standoff
This development comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, came out to state that the Kenyan government did not greenlight Somaliland to inaugurate its mission office in Nairobi.
In a statement on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reshared a démarche dated Monday, May 26, 2025, which barred the event.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs captioned the new statement, “Reaffirming the position of the Government of Kenya”.
In an earlier communique, which was issued hours before the arrival of Abdullahi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the launch of the liaison office did not enjoy the imprimatur of Kenya.
“The Ministry further notes with concern that to the extent the event of May 27 has not been approved by 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,” a statement issued on Monday evening, May 26, 2025, read in part.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia as the sole legitimate authority over all Somali territory.
Part of the statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, May 29, 2025. PHOTO/screengrab by PD Digital/https://www.facebook.com/ForeignOfficeKE
The launch
Despite the warning, Somaliland proceeded to launch the office in an event graced by their de facto leader and other officials from Kenya.
Mohamed Barawani, Somaliland Representative to Kenya and Head of Mission, confirmed the launch in a statement where he appreciated President Abdullahi.
“It was a great honour and a pleasure to welcome Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, on the occasion of opening our new premises of the Somaliland Mission in Kenya,” his statement read in part.
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Valerian Khakayi
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