Kenya has employed various modern diplomatic strategies in its dealings with Somaliland, including Constructive Ambiguity, De Facto Diplomacy, Quiet Diplomacy, and Hedging Strategy. Below is an analysis of these approaches:
Constructive Ambiguity
Kenya’s approach to addressing Somaliland’s office without explicitly clarifying its legal status is a clear example of constructive ambiguity. Kenya stated:
“The opening ceremony of the office does not have the imprimatur of the Government of Kenya.”
The term “imprimatur” implies official governmental approval. By using this term, Kenya avoids explicitly rejecting or endorsing Somaliland’s office. This allows Kenya to balance relations with both Somalia and Somaliland without taking a definitive stance. This diplomatic tactic is often used to avoid provoking a strong positive or negative diplomatic response.
De Facto Diplomacy
Although Kenya does not formally recognize Somaliland, it has permitted visits by Somaliland’s President and allowed the opening of a liaison office without imposing obstacles. This reflects a form of de facto diplomacy, where practical cooperation and interaction occur without formal legal recognition.
The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statements use standard diplomatic language to reassure Somalia, but actions such as hosting Somaliland’s President and allowing the liaison office speak louder. Kenya’s dual approach demonstrates a functional relationship with Somaliland, enabling cooperation in trade, security, and migration without violating international norms.
This diplomacy allows Somaliland to gain informal political and legal legitimacy while enabling Kenya to enhance its political influence and bilateral relations with both Somalia and Somaliland.
Quiet Diplomacy
Kenya has employed quiet diplomacy by not widely publicizing the visit of President Muse Bihi Abdi or the Somaliland office. When it emerged that Somaliland planned an opening ceremony, Kenya quickly responded, stating:
“The planned ceremony on May 27, 2025, does not have the approval of the Government of Kenya.”
This indicates Kenya’s preference for low-profile, technocratic interactions with Somaliland rather than politicized diplomatic gestures. Quiet diplomacy is particularly effective in sensitive conflict situations, where visible actions could escalate tensions.
Hedging Strategy
Kenya strategically avoids fully aligning with either side. This is a diplomatic approach designed to safeguard national interests amid geopolitical tensions.
By allowing Somaliland to open a representative office without offering formal support, Kenya keeps open the possibility of future relations if regional dynamics shift. At the same time, its public statements maintain its relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia.
In a positive development for Somaliland’s economy, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Abdillahi Hassan Adan, announced a consistent rise in national revenue during the 21st session of the Somaliland Council of Ministers. The meeting, held on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace, was chaired by Vice President and Acting President, H.E. Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi.
Delivering a detailed report on the country’s economic status, Minister Adan highlighted the successful progress in tax collection, particularly the Goods and Services Tax (GST). “The national revenue is growing steadily, day by day,” he affirmed, underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing financial reforms.
In a significant step toward enhancing resource management, the Minister revealed that the Ministries of Finance and Mining and Energy have collaborated to establish a Resource Revenue Framework. This initiative aims to accurately track and optimize revenue generated from Somaliland’s diverse mineral resources.
The announcement signals a promising outlook for Somaliland’s economic stability and growth, with the government’s strategic efforts to strengthen fiscal policies and resource management taking center stage.
The Somaliland Journalists Association (SOLJA), in partnership with the Somaliland Banking Association (SLBA), inaugurated a two-day training program on Professional Financial Journalism today at Beder Hotel in Hargeisa. The initiative brought together 30 journalists from private media, government outlets, and independent reporters to enhance their skills in economic and financial reporting.
Now in its second year, the training underscores the critical role of the media in promoting financial literacy and supporting Somaliland’s economic development. The program focuses on equipping journalists with the tools to effectively cover financial and economic issues, thereby fostering greater public awareness and understanding of financial matters.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Somaliland, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information, representatives from SOLJA’s leadership, the Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Trade, and other distinguished guests. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort to strengthen the media’s capacity to contribute to Somaliland’s economic growth.
The training covers key areas such as economic reporting, financial journalism techniques, and the media’s role in raising public awareness about financial literacy. Participants are expected to gain practical skills to produce high-quality, impactful stories that inform and educate the public on financial matters.
SOLJA and SLBA emphasized the importance of such initiatives in building a knowledgeable media landscape that supports Somaliland’s economic aspirations. The program is seen as a step toward empowering journalists to play a pivotal role in the nation’s development by bridging the gap between complex financial concepts and public understanding.
In a significant boost to Somaliland’s economy, the Ministry of Investment and Industry and the Ministry of Livestock and Rural Development have signed a landmark investment agreement with Huseyin Bilen Ali Oglu, a Turkey-based company. The deal, formalized in a recent ceremony, focuses on direct investment in Somaliland’s livestock sector, specifically targeting live animals, meat production, and animal feed.
Abdifatah Ismail Ducale, Director General of the Ministry of Investment and Industry, opened the event by outlining the agreement’s objectives, emphasizing its potential to enhance Somaliland’s livestock industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. “This partnership will drive growth and create new opportunities for our pastoralist communities,” Ducale stated.
Further details were provided by Ali Ahmed Abdi, Deputy Minister of Livestock, who highlighted the agreement’s role in modernizing meat processing and improving animal feed supply chains to meet both domestic and export demands.
Hüseyin Bilen Ali Oğlu, Chairman of the Turkish company, expressed enthusiasm for the venture, saying, “We are thrilled to invest in Somaliland’s vibrant livestock sector, contributing to its development and global market reach.”
The ceremony concluded with remarks from the Ministers of Investment and Industry, Said Mohamed Burale, and Livestock, Omar Shucayb. Both underscored the deal’s importance in fostering economic growth and job creation. “This investment aligns with our vision to make Somaliland a hub for livestock production and trade,” Minister Burale noted.
The Ministry of Investment and Industry has been instrumental in securing this agreement, reflecting its ongoing efforts to attract impactful foreign investments. With livestock accounting for a significant portion of Somaliland’s exports, particularly to Gulf countries, this partnership is poised to strengthen the nation’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.
Further details on the agreement’s implementation and economic impact are expected in the coming months as the project progresses.
In a significant step toward enhancing aviation security in Somaliland, the UK Government, through its Somaliland office, has facilitated a comprehensive training program aimed at strengthening airport security measures. The initiative, which focuses on passenger profiling and document screening, underscores the growing partnership between the UK and Somaliland in addressing critical security challenges at Hargeisa Airport.
Rachid Jama, Director General of Somaliland’s Civil Aviation expressed gratitude to the UK Government for their support. “This initiative plays a vital role in strengthening airport security and enhancing the capacity of our staff in passenger profiling and document screening. Your continued support is deeply appreciated,” Jama stated.
The training, held in Hargeisa, brought together a diverse group of participants, including aviation security personnel and local authorities. Louise Hancock, Head of the British Office in Somaliland, also acknowledged the importance of the program, stating on X on May 27, 2025, “Thanks to our UK Home Office International Operations colleagues for providing this crucial training.” Her statement highlights the collaborative efforts between the UK and Somaliland in bolstering security infrastructure.
Somaliland’s aviation sector has been working diligently to meet international standards, as outlined by the Somaliland Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Development. “Together, we are committed to building a resilient aviation infrastructure, enhancing the quality of our airports, and upholding international standards to serve both our citizens and global partners,” the Ministry stated on its website. This training aligns with those goals, equipping airport staff with the skills needed to handle complex security challenges.
Hargeisa Airport, a key hub for domestic and international travel, has been under scrutiny for its security protocols, particularly given the Horn Region’s unique challenges.
The UK’s involvement in this training program reflects a broader commitment to supporting Somaliland’s development, particularly in areas like security and infrastructure. The initiative also comes at a time when Hargeisa Airport is working to improve its facilities, offering amenities like currency exchange counters, ATMs, and a Lost & Found service, as noted by Cleartrip.com. Passengers are advised to arrive 3-4 hours early for international flights to navigate security and immigration processes, which are expected to become more rigorous with the implementation of new training protocols.
As Somaliland continues to navigate its complex socio-political landscape, partnerships like this one with the UK Government are seen as vital for building capacity and fostering stability. With aviation security at the forefront, Hargeisa Airport is poised to become a safer and more reliable gateway for travelers, contributing to Somaliland’s broader aspirations for growth and international recognition.
The statement in support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, announced hours after Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) set out on an official trip to Nairobi, is indicative of a calculated balancing act that the Kenyan government has taken in its Horn of Africa policy. And though the timing may be one of diplomatic double-dealing, Kenya is, strategically, pursuing a route to serve its regional interests without overtly destabilising relations with Mogadishu. This is a nuanced yet subtle means of edging closer towards recognising Somaliland’s de facto autonomy – one that reflects wider geopolitical and economic realities.
Contextualizing the Timing
It’s no coincidence or contradiction that Kenya has issued that public statement supporting Somalia’s federal government and has hosted Somaliland’s leader. Kenya’s twin priorities are instead exposed:
Respecting Diplomatic Norms By repeating a commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity, Kenya is respecting the African Union (AU) norm of sacred colonial borders, which is key for regional solidarity and to not be seen as undermining Mogadishu.
Advancing Strategic Interests: By playing host to Somaliland’s president, Kenya is demonstrating its recognition of Hargeisa as the system-stable in a volatile region. Somaliland’s relatively well-functioning government, control of its territory and economic prospects make it an essential partner for trade and security cooperation.
This has caused Kenyans the dilemma of being able to pursue engagement with Somaliland without having to officially recognize its independence as a general approach between principle and pragmatism.
Why Engage Somaliland? A Pragmatic Calculus
Security Imperatives:
And the relative peace of Somaliland stands in sharp contrast to the protracted insecurity of Somalia. As a frontline and critical state in the fight against Al Shabaab, Kenya has been accruing the benefits of intelligence and border coordination with Hargeisa, which has managed to keep terrorism largely at bay. Nurturing relations with Somaliland serves as a regional counterterrorism counterpoint while easing pressure on Kenyan forces in Somalia.
Economic Opportunities:
Somaliland’s upgraded Berbera Port, run by DP World, is a gateway to landlocked Ethiopia, and a potential competitor with Djibouti. That sums up perfectly with what Kenya’s vision 2030(focus on infrastructure and trade) and use of Berbera as an alternative maritime corridor.) Some mutual benefits also lie in Somaliland’s unexplored resources and the trade in livestock to (a major sector for Kenya).
working relationship with Somaliland, Kenya sets itself up to broker any future Somalia-Somaliland talks, a role it plays in the Horn of Africa. This is consistent with President Ruto’s aspirations to establish Kenya as a continental peacemaker, evidenced by its role in the Sudan and Ethiopia peace talks.
Politicians in Mogadishu have repeatedly described such ties as violations of Somalia’s sovereignty. There are also two immediate qualifiers to Somalia’s grievances, however:
A Government’s Long Reach: The federal government of Somalia has little power — not even in Jubaland or Puntland, let alone Somaliland, which has been operating as a breakaway nation since 1991.
Federalism Hypocrisy: The federal system of government affords Galmudug and Hirshabelle the power of autonomy but not Somaliland. This inconsistency undermines Mogadishu’s moral high-ground to oppose Hargeisa’s self-government.
Kenya’s mention of “consultation with Mogadishu” in its statement is a diplomatic fig leaf, a belief that by saying one engages with Mogadishu while recognizing Somaliland, the pain of appearing to violate Somalia’s sovereignty is eased.
Kenya’s post-plebiscite condition has regional and Kenya’s diplomatic precedent
Kenya isn’t the only one taking this practical approach:
Ethiopia: Signed a shifting MoU with Somaliland in 2023, above Mogadishu’s rejection for economic gains.
UAE: Works through DP World in Berbera and has been investing heavily in the infrastructure of Somaliland in a piece of transactional diplomacy known to be common of Gulf states.
Western Nations: Without according to it full recognition, the U.S. and the EU deepen their contacts with Somaliland in the areas of development and democracy.
Kenya’s decision to recognize Kosovo in 2025 also shows that its willingness to flout diplomatic orthodoxy runs to where it sees its interests. Somaliland’s argument – which is predicated upon historical sovereign territory, governance and stability – is stronger than that of Kosovo, which does not have UN membership.
Is Kenya “Playing Both Sides”? A Misleading Perception
Detractors might characterize the Kenyan behavior as duplicitous, but that misses how modern statecraft works. Kenya’s policy is less about “siding” with Mogadishu or Hargeisa and more about:
Risk Management, by sidestepping head-to-head clash with Somalia (and the AU’s disparate norms) but progressively ‘normalizing’ relations with Somaliland.
Futureproofing: Anticipating Somaliland’s prospective positive progress, and ensuring Kenya is not isolated in forming regional linkages.
Projection of Soft Power: Nairobi as a neutral arena for talks, such as Qatar for resolving global conflicts.
The Way Forward: Gradual Acknowledgement via Involvement
Kenya’s calibrated approach could provide a model for the world. No sudden recognition of Somaliland (such a move could spark conflict); but a step-by-step plan to develop economic, security and diplomatic relations would:
Encourage Somaliland to improve governance and human rights.
Pressure Mogadishu to redress grievances that drive separatism, like marginalisation and resource differences.
Urge organizations like the AU to rethink strict norms in cases of de facto statehood.
Conclusion: Pragmatism over Dogma
Kenya’s dual engagement with Somalia and Somaliland is proof that its foreign policy is one aimed at safeguarding our national interest and regional order, without being constrained by political dogmatism. Although Mogadishu’s sovereignty is politically sacrosanct, facts on the ground of Somaliland’s imaginary independence, peace, and economic promise cannot be dismissed. By doing realpolitik with Hargeisa (with open lines of communication with Mogadishu), Kenya advances a view of a Horn of Africa that values functional governance over traditional notions of diplomatic recognition.
The rest of the world, more frequently paralyzed by bureaucratic caution, could take a lesson from Nairobi’s double-sided approach. Whether or not Somaliland secures recognition, it is a keystone of regional stability: even Kenya’s pragmatic diplomacy recognizes this.
Borama – Dr. Hussein Bashir Hirsi, Minister of Health Development of the Republic of Somaliland, today led a high-level delegation, including representatives from UNFPA, on a pivotal working visit to the Awdal region. The visit aimed to bolster healthcare services and foster partnerships with higher education institutions critical to advancing Somaliland’s health sector.
Key Engagements:
1. Meeting with Regional Health Officials: Minister Hirsi and his team held strategic discussions with the Awdal Regional Health Administration, focusing on progress in healthcare delivery, resource allocation, and challenges facing the region.
2. Tour of Amoud University: The delegation conducted an in-depth review of the university’s health-related programs, including its medical and public health departments. Minister Hirsi underscored the need for academia to align curricula with national healthcare priorities.
3. Institute of Health Sciences Visit: At the institute, the Minister engaged directly with students and faculty, emphasizing the importance of practical training and innovation in health education. Discussions centered on modernizing training facilities and addressing gaps in specialized healthcare skills.
Minister’s Remarks:
Dr. Hirsi praised the Awdal regional leadership and Amoud University for their collaborative spirit, stating, “Our partnership with educational institutions is vital to building a skilled healthcare workforce. We are committed to empowering youth through quality education and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services across Somaliland.” He further highlighted UNFPA’s role in supporting these initiatives, calling for sustained international collaboration.
Focus on Youth and National Development:
The Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to youth empowerment, particularly in the health sector. “Investing in our young professionals today will secure Somaliland’s health tomorrow,” he noted, urging institutions to prioritize research and community-focused training programs.
Next Steps
The Ministry announced plans to allocate additional resources to Awdal’s health infrastructure and expand scholarships for students pursuing medical and public health degrees. A follow-up workshop with UNFPA and regional stakeholders is slated for next month to finalize actionable strategies.
Hargeisa– The Natural Resources, Environment, Production, and Energy Committee of Somaliland’s House of Representatives convened a pivotal consultative meeting today with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to align efforts on national resource management and energy sector development.
Chaired by Committee Chairman Hon. Suleiman Mohamed Farah (Goox), the session was attended by Vice-Chairman Hon. Abdikarin Meecad Isaaq and committee members, including Hon. Abdihakim Hugur Abdi, Hon. Mahmoud Salax Abdi, Hon. Ahmed Hassan Ali (Casoowe), Hon. Yahye Abdullahi Amin Ararse, Hon. Bashir Hussein Hirsi, alongside Committee Coordinator Mustafe Mohamed Hassan and Clerk Farah Seed Carab.
Energy and Minerals Minister Hon. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre led the ministry’s delegation, joined by Director General Dr. Shucayb Ismaan Mahmoud, Energy Department Head Abdirazaq Mohamed Abdi, Petroleum Department Head Yusuf Muse Ibrahim, and Minerals Department Head Omar Abdullahi Farah.
Focus on National Priorities
The meeting aimed to provide lawmakers with direct updates on the ministry’s strategic initiatives, particularly in optimizing Somaliland’s natural resources and advancing sustainable energy solutions. Discussions emphasized transparency, intergovernmental coordination, and accelerating progress on critical national projects.
Outcome
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced collaboration, pledging to streamline communication and prioritize policies that bolster Somaliland’s resource governance and energy security.
“This dialogue marks a critical step in aligning legislative oversight with executive action for the benefit of all citizens,” stated Committee Chairman Farah.
Addis Ababa-The Minister of Commerce and Tourism of the Republic of Somaliland, Mr. Abdirahman Hassan Nur, led a delegation to Addis Ababa this week, engaging in pivotal talks with Ethiopian officials to bolster cross-border trade and regional cooperation. Accompanied by Mr. Ridwan Abdurashid Sh. Mohamed, Director of the Minister’s Office, and Somaliland’s Trade Attaché in Ethiopia, Minister Nur met with Dr. Kassahun Gofe, Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, to advance shared economic priorities.
During the meeting, Minister Gofe emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening ties with Somaliland, stating, “Our historic relationship and geographic proximity create immense opportunities for mutual growth.” Key outcomes of the discussions include:
Enhanced Bilateral Trade. Both parties pledged to expand cooperation under a proposed Simplified Trade Regime (STR), designed to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, lower tariffs, and stimulate commerce for businesses and communities along shared borders.
Accelerated Agreements: The ministries agreed to prioritize finalizing pending trade and cross-border goods exchange pacts, with a focus on swift ratification to unlock new economic opportunities.
Joint Technical Committee: A bilateral task force will be formed to operationalize the STR and draft actionable strategies for resolving trade bottlenecks, improving customs efficiency, and fostering people-to-people ties.
Minister Nur highlighted the significance of the talks, remarking, “This collaboration marks a critical step toward economic integration, benefiting millions in both regions.”He further thanked Ethiopia for its hospitality and presented Minister Gofe with a symbolic gift reaffirming Somaliland’s commitment to partnership.
The U.S. military is backing off its usual talk of good governance and countering insurgencies’ underlying causes, instead leaning into a message that its fragile allies in Africa must be ready to stand more on their own.
At African Lion, its largest joint training exercise on the continent, that shift was clear: “We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations,” Gen. Michael Langley said in an interview with The Associated Press.
“There needs to be some burden sharing,” Langley, the U.S. military’s top official in Africa, said on Friday, the final day of the exercise.
For four weeks, troops from more than 40 countries rehearsed how to confront threats by air, land, and sea. They flew drones, simulated close-quarters combat and launched satellite-guided rockets in the desert.
Maneuvers mirrored previous editions of African Lion, now in its 21st year. But mostly gone now is language that emphasizes ideas the U.S. once argued set it apart from Russia and China.
Messaging about the interwoven work of defense, diplomacy and development once formed the core of Washington’s security pitch. In their place now are calls for helping allies build capacity to manage their own security, which Langley said was a priority for President Donald Trump’s Defense Department.
“We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we’re also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas,” he said, referencing U.S. support for Sudan.
The shift comes as the U.S. military makes moves to “build a leaner, more lethal force,” including potentially cutting military leadership positions in places like Africa, where America’s rivals continue to deepen their influence.
China has launched its own expansive training program for African militaries. Russian mercenaries are recalibrating and cementing their role as security partner of choice throughout North, West and Central Africa.
In an interview a year ago, Langley emphasized what U.S. military officials have long called a “whole of government approach” to countering insurgency. Even amid setbacks, he defended the U.S. approach and said force alone couldn’t stabilize weak states and protect U.S. interests against the risk of violence spilling out.
“I’ve always professed that AFRICOM is not just a military organization,” Langley said last year. He called good governance an “enduring solution to a number of layered threats — whether it be desertification, whether it be crop failure from changing environments, or whether it be from violent extremist organizations.”
The “whole of government approach” no longer occupies the same place at the center of U.S. messaging, though Langley said holistic efforts have worked in places like Ivory Coast, where development coupled with defense had reduced attacks by jihadi groups near its volatile northern border.
But such successes aren’t a pattern.
“I’ve seen progression and I’ve seen regression,” said Langley, who is scheduled to exit his post later this year.
The U.S. military’s new posture comes even though many African armies remain ill-equipped and insurgent groups expand.
“We see Africa as the epicenter for both al-Qaida and Islamic State,” a senior U.S. defense official said earlier this month, noting both groups had growing regional affiliates and the Islamic State group had shifted command and control to Africa. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to discuss the issue publicly.
Africa has rarely ranked high on the Pentagon’s list of priorities, but the U.S. has still spent hundreds of millions of dollars on security assistance and has roughly 6,500 Africa Command personnel on the continent. In some regions, the U.S. faces direct competition from Russia and China. In others, regional affiliates of al-Qaida and the IS still require direct military action, Langley said.
The messaging shift from “whole of government” to more burden-sharing comes as fears grow that rising violence could spread beyond hotspots where insurgents have expanded influence and found vacuums in which they can consolidate power.
Parts of of both East and West Africa have emerged as epicenters of violence. In 2024, more than half of the world’s terrorism victims were killed across West Africa’s Sahel, a vast desert territory ruled by military juntas, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace. The group, which compiles yearly terrorism statistics, also found Somalia accounted for 6% of all terrorism-related deaths, making it the deadliest for terrorism in Africa outside the Sahel.
Since Trump took office, the U.S. military has escalated airstrikes in Somalia, targeting IS and al-Shabab operatives. But despite air support, Somalia’s army remains far from being able to maintain security on the ground, Langley acknowledged.
“The Somali National Army is trying to find their way,” Langley said, adding that they had regained some footing after years of setbacks. “There are some things they still need on the battlefield to be very effective.”
Similarly in West Africa, the notion that states could soon have the capacity to counter such threats is a distant prospect, said Beverly Ochieng, an analyst at Control Risks, a security consulting firm. Even before Western influence began to wane in the Sahel, needed military support was limited, threats remained active, and local militaries were left without the tools to confront them.
Western powers with a presence in the Sahel have gradually scaled back their engagement, either by choice or after being pushed out by increasingly hostile governments.
“Many of them do not have very strong air forces and are not able to monitor the movement of militants, especially in areas where roads are very difficult to traverse, the infrastructure is extremely poor,” Ochieng, who specializes in the Sahel and Great Power competition in Africa, said.
