Kenya recognizes Somaliland as part of a federal Somalia, not as an independent state

Goobjoog News/Nairobi: The Kenyan government has for the first time addressed the issue of Somaliland’s recognition, following a recent debate in the UK Parliament.

Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Raychelle Omamo said Kenya was treating Somaliland as part of a federal Somalia, adding that Somaliland had not submitted an application to Kenya for recognition as an independent state.

However, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and African Union special envoy Raila Odinga, holds a different thought about the Somaliland issue after he stated that  “the world has to come to the reality and agree that Somaliland will continue to survive and exist as a country and the sooner the United Nations recognizes this the better for everyone”.

The British Parliament held a long debate this week on the recognition of Somaliland whereupon UK’s Minister of Africa, Vicky Ford said it was up to Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to decide their future.