Somaliland called on Kenya Friday to formally recognize its independence, days after Nairobi officially acknowledged Kosovo as a sovereign state, ending nearly five years without new international recognition for Kosovo.
In a statement issued on March 28, Somaliland commended Kenya’s decision, describing it as a “bold and forward-looking decision” demonstrating an “unwavering commitment to the principles of international law, the right to self-determination, and the promotion of international peace and stability.”
“The Republic of Somaliland, having upheld peace, democratic governance, and effective state institutions for over three decades, shares with Kosovo a parallel trajectory grounded in the legitimate expression of sovereign will and the fulfilment of the established criteria for statehood under international law,” the statement read. Somaliland specifically referenced the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on Kosovo’s declaration of independence as a relevant legal precedent in its ongoing pursuit of international recognition.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu. Despite conducting regular democratic elections and maintaining stability rare in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland remains internationally unrecognized. The region, however, has developed diplomatic relationships with neighbours such as Ethiopia and Djibouti and maintains close ties with Taiwan, a non-UN member state.
Somaliland urged Kenya to adopt a similar “principled and historic decision” by formally recognizing its sovereignty, suggesting such a step would reinforce Kenya’s regional diplomatic leadership and strengthen bilateral relations. The statement highlighted the potential for increased regional peace, stability, and cooperation across the Horn of Africa.
Kenya’s recent recognition of Kosovo, announced on March 26 following discussions between Kenyan President William Ruto and former Kosovo President Behgjet Pacolli, marked a significant diplomatic shift aligning Nairobi more closely with Western nations. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Serbia, Kosovo’s former parent state, which continues to oppose Kosovo’s membership in international bodies such as the United Nations.
Somaliland’s independence efforts remain contentious internationally, largely due to widespread support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, including from key allies such as the United States. Somalia’s federal government remains staunchly opposed to any international recognition of Somaliland, warning that such a move could further destabilize the region’s fragile political situation.
