Somaliland Irro's Nairobi meetings span recognition, Horn issues
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Monday met with Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga, at his Nairobi residence, in the latest push by the breakaway region seeking recognition of its independence.
Mr Odinga issued a brief statement confirming that he and his wife, Ida, had received President Irro and his delegation. The visiting team included cabinet ministers and representatives from Somaliland's liaison office in Kenya.
No further details were provided on the nature of the discussions.'I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the esteemed African statesman, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, for the gracious farewell dinner hosted in my honour and that of my delegation,' Mr Irro said.'Your unwavering support for Somaliland's aspiration to claim its rightful place among the community of nations is deeply appreciated. Your leadership and steadfast commitment to Africa's unity and development continue to inspire us all. Together, we remain dedicated to a future of peace, recognition, and shared prosperity.'Mr Odinga has previously voiced his support for the region and his family is said to have close contacts with some Somaliland politicians, including former president Muse Bihi.
The two leaders also discussed the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa, emphasising the importance of African-led solutions and inclusive development."This meeting reaffirmed the enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared democratic values that have long bound Somaliland and Kenya," said the Somaliland presidency.'He [President Irro] lauded Odinga's enduring commitment to justice, dignity, and the pursuit of self-determination, which has elevated Somaliland's profile on continental and global stages,' Igeh said.
Irro: Somaliland is open to trade, innovation and dialogueA key power broker in East Africa, Odinga has never shied away from publicly backing Somaliland's sovereignty, often urging the African Union to confront the political reality in the Horn of Africa."The AU needs to accept that it will never again be possible to reunite these two countries and recognise them as one," he declared in 2020. 'Somaliland is a reality the world has to live with.'This visit came after the opening of a Somaliland liaison office in Nairobi last week, despite Kenya's previous reluctance. It turned out that Kenya was uncomfortable with the labelling of the office as a diplomatic mission. Eventually, Somaliland simply named it a mission office.
Last week, President Irro held a private meeting with President William Ruto, reportedly discussing bilateral cooperation in education, peace and security, economic integration, and governance.
Although Ruto's office has not issued a formal statement, the meeting signalled Kenya's support for Somaliland amid rising regional tensions.
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