Tuesday June 3, 2025
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro speaks during a press conference in Nairobi following the conclusion of his diplomatic visit to Kenya, June 2025.
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) —Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has concluded a diplomatic visit to Kenya, calling the trip a success and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening Somaliland’s regional presence while upholding democratic principles.
During the multi-day trip, President Irro met with Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, held talks with international diplomats, and officially inaugurated Somaliland’s mission office in Nairobi.
Irro’s talks with President Ruto reportedly covered economic cooperation, education, peacebuilding, and governance. While the details of their discussions remain undisclosed, Irro described the conversations as constructive and aligned with Somaliland’s vision for deeper regional integration. He also met with foreign ambassadors based in Nairobi as part of Somaliland’s efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint.
“This visit reflects Somaliland’s efforts to build lasting partnerships across East Africa,” Irro said. “We are committed to peaceful cooperation, democratic governance, and timely elections.”
Irro’s meeting with Odinga focused on strengthening bilateral ties in education, security, cultural exchange, and regional development. The two leaders also emphasized the importance of African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges.
“Mr. Raila Odinga has long been a close friend and unwavering supporter of the Republic of Somaliland,” said presidential spokesperson Hussein Aden Igeh. Odinga, a former prime minister of Kenya, has previously called on the African Union to recognize Somaliland’s independence, stating in 2020 that “Somaliland is a reality the world must acknowledge.”
Odinga also recalled his friendship with former Somaliland President Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal, formed during their time in Somalia’s civilian and military governments.
On May 29, Irro officially opened Somaliland’s new mission office in Nairobi’s Runda district. The new mission, located in Nairobi’s Runda neighbourhood, aims to enhance Somaliland’s trade and consular presence in Kenya. The opening was attended by senior Somaliland officials, Kenyan lawmakers, and members of the international community. Irro framed the office as a platform to support Somaliland citizens in Kenya and expand diplomatic and commercial engagement.
However, the mission’s launch proceeded without formal approval from the Kenyan government. In a public statement, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs reiterated its recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia as the sole legitimate authority over all Somali territories and clarified that the event was not officially sanctioned.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained autonomous institutions since, though it has not received formal international recognition.
Despite the diplomatic sensitivities, the mission marks a strategic step in Somaliland’s efforts to widen its regional footprint. Irro’s Kenya trip follows a recent outreach to Djibouti and precedes a planned visit to Ethiopia.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since operated with its own institutions, security forces, and electoral processes. Although it remains unrecognized internationally, its leaders continue to push for greater diplomatic engagement by highlighting the region’s stability and governance record.
President Irro closed his trip by thanking Somaliland’s electorate for their support and pledging to respect constitutional term limits.
“When my term ends, not a single hour will be added,” he said. “Elections will be held on time, as promised.”
The Nairobi mission is expected to focus on trade facilitation, diaspora services, and diplomatic coordination with East African partners, even as Somalia continues to object to foreign governments engaging directly with Somaliland outside Mogadishu’s oversight.