Kenya Reaffirms Support for Somalia but Won’t Cut Links With Jubaland & Somaliland

The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia as the sole and legitimate authority responsible for administering the affairs of Somalia, including its breakaway regional administrations. 

However, President William Ruto's administration has maintained that the country will engage the two breakaway regions of Jubaland and Somaliland.

In a statement released by the State Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Kenya emphasised its commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, in line with international law and regional agreements.

The government clarified that while it maintains contacts with the sub-national administrations of Jubaland and Somaliland, such engagement will be conducted in consultation with Somalia’s Federal Government to support security cooperation and commercial interests.

''The Government of the Republic of Kenya reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, and political independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In this regard, Kenya unequivocally recognizes the authority of the Federal Government in Mogadishu as the sole and legitimate body responsible for administering the affairs of Somalia, including those of its regions," the statement read in part.

''To advance the partnership, Kenya will maintain contact and relations with subnational governments in Jubaland and Somaliland and, in consultation with the Federal Government of Somalia, establish contact and diplomatic presence as may be agreed from time to time to support security cooperation and commercial interests in line with the principles of mutual respect and good neighbourliness,'' the statement added.