Days after the Republic of Somaliland’s mission office was opened in Nairobi during a ceremony presided over by the de facto state’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), a diplomatic row is picking up, pitting Somalia.
In a lengthy statement on Monday, June 2, 2025, Hussein Deyr, spokesman for the president of the Republic of Somaliland, came out to accuse Somalia of trying to sabotage their Nairobi visit.
According to the spokesperson, Somalia’s federal authorities launched frantic efforts to block President Abdirahman’s engagements in Kenya. Deyr accused Somalia of trying to persuade Kenya to cancel President Abdirahman’s reception and restrict his movement in the country.
“From the moment President Abdirahman Irro’s delegation landed in Nairobi, Somalia’s federal authorities launched a frantic and coordinated effort to block every engagement. Pressure was applied overtly and covertly to derail meetings.
“Disinformation was circulated to tarnish the visit. Envoys were dispatched in haste to persuade Kenyan authorities to cancel receptions, restrict access, or delay progress,” the statement read in part.
“It was a strategy of desperation, not diplomacy. But Somalia’s obstructionism collapsed under the weight of Somaliland’s calm resolve and moral clarity. Where Mogadishu brought noise and hostility, Somaliland brought discipline, respect, and foresight,” it added.
Tactics employed
According to Deyr, Somaliland authorities were forced to improvise tactics to evade Somali sabotage. The spokesperson indicated that they adopted quiet diplomacy, which helped them secure key meetings while in Kenya.
Deyr hailed various envoys, stating that they followed diplomatic principles while in Kenya, which did not anger Nairobi.
“The contrast could not have been more striking. Rather than engage in tit-for-tat theatrics, President Irro and his team moved with quiet determination. They did not leak agendas or chase headlines. Instead, they executed a carefully calibrated strategy- meeting discreetly with senior Kenyan officials, engaging the diplomatic corps, and concluding tangible agreements that serve the interests of the people of Somaliland,” Deyr wrote.
“This is where Somalia failed to understand Somaliland’s strength: its diplomacy is not driven by emotion, but by intention. Not by provocation, but by principle!”
Nairobi mission
Somaliland’s top official further blasted Somalia for orchestrating plans to block the opening of the mission office. Despite Kenya failing to authorise the event, Deyr described it as a success for their country.
“Among Somalia’s most bitter disappointments was the Official Opening of the Republic of Somaliland’s Mission in Nairobi on 29 May 2025: a historic event it had tried, and failed, to stop it through frantic lobbying. The opening went ahead with full diplomatic protocol, high-level attendance, and widespread media attention. The world was watching, and it took note.”
Demand recognition
While acknowledging a series of meetings held by President Abdirahman while in Nairobi, Somaliland argued that their track record deserves recognition from global authorities.
“He laid bare a truth too often ignored: that Somaliland has fulfilled every requirement of statehood— peace, democratic elections, functioning institutions, protection of human rights— and yet remains unrecognised, not because of failure on its part, but because of the failures of a global system unwilling to confront political inertia.”
Deyr further hailed Somaliland for a series of deals secured while in Nairobi, indicating that it was a testament to the growing trust in their governance.
By the time of this publication, Somalia had not responded to Deyr’s claims of sabotage.
