On July 2, 2019, a tweet by Kenya's Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau sparked a diplomatic row between Kenya and Somalia. The tweet referred to Somaliland as a nation, a position Somalia disputes.
According to international law, Somaliland's declaration of independence in 1991 is not recognized. Somalia considers Somaliland a part of its territory.
The Kenyan Ambassador in Mogadishu, Lt. General Lucas Tumbo, was summoned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and handed a protest letter. The letter stated that the tweet was an affront to Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Kenya and Somaliland have maintained diplomatic relations, with both countries opening missions in each other's capitals. However, Somalia views these actions as a threat to its sovereignty.
Kenya's actions have been seen as a challenge to Somalia's authority, with the country diverting flights between Mogadishu and Nairobi for security screening.
