Nairobi-His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), President of the Republic of Somaliland, who is on an official visit to Kenya, held an important meeting with His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.
The two leaders discussed numerous matters of mutual importance, including:
𝟏. Bilateral cooperation and the enhancement of trade relations, investment, economic development, and air connectivity.
𝟐. Strengthening regional peace and security, particularly promoting stability, countering terrorism, and supporting peace-building efforts in the Horn of Africa.
𝟑. Educational collaboration, academic exchange, capacity-building for government institutions, and enhancing vocational skills training for youth.
This meeting marked a reaffirmation by both leaders of the longstanding relations between Somaliland and Kenya – relations rooted in a remarkable history, mutual respect, shared interests, and a unified vision for the progress and prosperity of the region.
General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan, Former Somalia Defense Minister, May 28, 2025. Photo Puntland Mirror
Former Defense Minister of Somalia’s revolutionary government, General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan, has passed away at a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.
Taking to an official statement, Abdullahi Aden Kulane, a Somali MP, sent his condolence message to the family as he confirmed the death on Wednesday, May 28.
”With great sorrow, I extend my condolences to the entire family, relatives, and the Somali Armed Forces on the passing of General Mohamed Saeed Hirsi (Morgan), who passed away today in the city of Nairobi, Kenya,” read part of the statement.
Sources close to the family told Somalia’s Horseed Media that the veteran military figure had been ill for several days while in Kenya after experiencing severe abdominal pain during his stay in Bosaso, the capital of Bari region.
Born in 1949 in Qardho, Karkaar region, General Morgan received advanced military training in the United States and Italy, the media house reported.
He later served as Defense Minister under the revolutionary government led by President Mohammed Siad Barre. He was the last Minister of Defense of Somalia under President Barre.
Barre was a Somali military officer, politician, and revolutionary who served as the third president of Somalia from 21 October 1969 to 26 January 1991. After his fall, Barre was forced into exile in Nigeria, where he died in 1995 after suffering a heart attack.
Morgan was once the commander of the 26th Division, which operated in what were then known as the Northern Regions—now the self-declared independent Republic of Somaliland.
The MP eulogised the military figure as a high-ranking officer who played a crucial role in the country’s defense forces.
”He was a high-ranking officer in the Somali Armed Forces and played a crucial role in defending the nation’s sovereignty and protecting its borders,” MP Kulane wrote.
The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mr Hamsa Abdi Barre, described the military figure as the backbone of the officers during the central government of the Somali National Force and revealed that he would be remembered for the role he took in defending the country.
“I am sending my condolences to the family, the nation, and the entire army of the shocking death, may God have mercy on General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan who was an officer who was a brave and brave, who played a big role in building and developing the Somali army” Prime Minister Abdi Barre said.
In recent years, General Morgan spent most of his time in Nairobi, Oman, and most recently in Garowe, the capital of Puntland, where he served as one of the senior military advisors to the Puntland President.
Hargeisa-Somaliland’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, H.E. Abdillahi Hassan Aden, today hosted a senior German delegation led by Deputy Ambassador Martin Stein at the Ministry’s headquarters. Director General Mohamed Hassan Saleeban attended the meeting.NJ loo
Minister Aden expressed Somaliland’s appreciation for Germany’s sustained development support, highlighting transformative projects in water infrastructure and vocational training institutes. He reaffirmed commitment to deepening bilateral ties and ensuring mutual benefits through strategic initiatives.
Deputy Ambassador Stein commended Somaliland’s “effective governance and cooperation,” noting robust diplomatic engagement between both parties. He confirmed Germany’s readiness to expand collaboration with Hargeisa.
The delegation received progress briefings on German-supported projects and identified future cooperation priorities.
Somaliland President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro”, met with Kenyan President William Ruto earlier today in Nairobi, a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties between the two East African nations. The meeting, held at State House, comes on the heels of opening of a diplomatic mission in Kenya, underscoring Somaliland’s push for regional cooperation and international recognition.
President Irro described the reception as warm and brotherly, stating, “Today, we were warmly welcomed in a brotherly manner at the State House in Kenya by President William Ruto. We discussed the interests of both nations and reached a good understanding.”
The inauguration was marked by a speech from Mandera West MP Yusuf Adan Haji, who apologized for past issues and expressed optimism for future relations between Kenya and Somaliland, highlighting a pastoralist connection with Kenyan President William Ruto. “Kenya, under President Ruto’s leadership – a pastoralist himself – extends a warm welcome.
We apologize for past issues and look to a brighter future together.” —Mandera West MP Yusuf Adan Haji, stated at Somaliland’s Nairobi mission inauguration.”
President Irro, who was inaugurated as Somaliland’s president on December 12, 2024, in Hargeisa, has prioritized regional diplomacy since taking office.
Somaliland President’s visit to Kenya, aligns with his administration’s goal of strengthening ties with key neighbors. A key highlight of the trip was the official opening of Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Nairobi, a move intended to formalize relations and facilitate cooperation on trade, security, and cultural exchange. The mission, part of the Partnership Framework for Somaliland, is seen as a strategic effort to enhance Somaliland’s visibility despite its lack of international recognition.
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.
