Ruto meets Somaliland President as new Nairobi office sparks storm

President William Ruto (right) and Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed (left) meet at State House, Nairobi. [Sourced, X]

President William Ruto met Somaliand President Abdirahman Mohamed Irro, raising questions about Kenya's stand in its recognition of the breakaway region.

Irro's spokesperson, Hussein Aden Igeh, shared an image of the two Heads of State on X, including details of the meeting, which took place on the day Somaliland opened a liaison office in Nairobi.

"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," Igeh said, describing the meeting as "cordial and productive."

He disclosed that the meeting also discussed peace and regional stability and education, and institutional development, focusing on academic exchanges, among other issues.

"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," added Igeh.

Contrary to the norm, whenever Ruto meets a foreign dignitary, State House has yet to publish any images of the meeting or its details.

Yesterday, Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reaffirmed that it had not "granted approval" to Hargeisa to open the liaison office.

"...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," the Ministry said in a statement dated May 26.

Ruto's meeting with Irro will, undoubtedly, rattle Mogadishu, which has often been critical of Nairobi's closeness to Hargeisa. In 2020, Somalia recalled its diplomats from Kenya and expelled Nairobi's, following a meeting between former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and Muse Bihi Abdi.

At the time, Somalia accused Kenya of "recurrent outright" interference in the Horn of Africa nation's internal affairs. Mogadishu is yet to react to the latest development.

Nairobi has blown hot and cold about its recognition of Somaliland, which it mostly considers as a regional government within the Republic of Somalia. Indeed, the Foreign Affairs Ministry made this point in its statement.

"As Somalia continues to advance its state-building and institutional development agenda, the Government of Kenya, through sustained dialogue with the Federal Government of Somalia, stands ready to support these efforts to enhance cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships," the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated.

While it acknowledges Mogadishu's legitimacy, Kenya has often sought to please Hargeisa, as the statement by the ministry did by stating Nairobi "avails itself of this opportunity to the Liaison Office of Somaliland in Nairobi, the assurances of its highest consideration."

Kenya and Somalia have partnered in fighting the Al Shabaab terrorist group, but have often differed in other aspects, such as a maritime dispute that the International Court of Justice adjudicated in Mogadishu's favour, but whose decision Nairobi does not recognise.