This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
Kenya's efforts to strengthen ties with Somaliland have taken a significant step forward with a high-profile meeting between the two nations on July 3, 2020. The meeting, led by MP Junet Mohamed, aimed to foster cooperation and improve relations between Kenya and Somaliland.
According to sources, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) director of elections held talks with Liban Yousuf Osman, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland. Osman took to his Twitter account to announce the diplomatic meeting, stating,
"It was my utmost pleasure to receive the delegation From the Republic of Kenya led by Junet Mohamed. They had a wonderful one-day visit to the Republic Somaliland aimed to strengthen ties and cooperation of the two nations,"
Osman said in a tweet on July 3, 2020.
Junet Mohamed's influence has risen since the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta, which has led to increased diplomatic efforts between Kenya and Somaliland. The two nations have faced challenges in their diplomatic relations, including restrictions on direct flights from Somalia and recent incidents where two Kenyan planes were shot down in Somaliland.
The approach by the Suna East MP to lead the high-profile meeting has sparked mixed reactions from both Kenyans and Somalians. However, the meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between the two nations and improving their diplomatic relations.
