Kenya Halts Somaliland Office Opening in Nairobi, Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Unity

In a diplomatic move aimed at strengthening ties with Mogadishu, Kenya has blocked the planned inauguration of Somaliland’s liaison office in Nairobi, signaling a renewed commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, has long sought international recognition and maintains warm relations with Kenya. However, in a calculated effort to avoid straining bilateral relations with Somalia, Nairobi has opted to step back from the engagement. In a statement released Monday — the second of the day — Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the May 27 event to open Somaliland’s liaison office had not received official approval and would not be permitted to proceed…Earlier, Kenya had reaffirmed its respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity, while justifying its engagement with Somalia’s federal member states, including Somaliland, which operates an autonomous government. (Garowe Online)