Somaliland has expressed its support for Kenya’s recent recognition of Kosovo as an independent state. Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, highlighted that this development bolsters Somaliland’s own aspirations for international recognition.
Kenya officially recognized Kosovo’s independence on March 26, 2025, marking the first such recognition in nearly five years. This move was announced by former Kosovo president Behgjet Pacolli, who shared images with Kenyan President William Ruto during the signing of the recognition letter.
Minister Adan emphasized that Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition is grounded in international legal frameworks and called upon the African Union to support Somaliland’s sovereignty. He also noted the strong economic and diplomatic ties between Somaliland and Kenya, highlighting that approximately 10,000 Kenyans currently live and work in Somaliland.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since operated as a de facto independent state with its own government and institutions. Despite its stability and democratic governance, Somaliland has yet to achieve widespread international recognition. Kenya’s acknowledgment of Kosovo’s independence is seen by Somaliland as a positive precedent that could encourage African nations to similarly recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty.
The minister concluded by urging Kenya and other African countries to take decisive steps in recognizing the Republic of Somaliland, asserting that such recognition would contribute significantly to regional trade and security across Africa.