Kenya apologies to Somalia over Somaliland flag presence

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Wednesday June 15, 2022

Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NMG

Mogadishu (HOL) - Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has apologized for displaying the Somaliland flag at Tuesday's Annual Diplomatic Function meeting in Nairobi.

Somalia Ambassador to Kenya Mohamud Ahmed Nur 'Tarzan' walked out of a meeting hosted by President Uhuru Kenyatta, which brought together foreign diplomats based in Nairobi and Kenyan diplomats abroad who are in Kenya for their 18th annual conference.

Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that it "regretted the inadvertent and inappropriate presence" of the flag of Somaliland at the Annual Diplomatic Function and further wished to reaffirm its recognition of the sovereignty of one Somali Federal Government and the integrity of the Federal Somali State.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya presents its compliments to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia and wishes to thank the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia for the Note Verbal, Ref: EFRS/467/N/22, dated 14th June 2022 and for drawing the Ministry's attention to the presence of Somaliland's standard among the flags of nations at the Annual Diplomatic event."

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Nairobi the assurances of its highest consideration," the statement said.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was among the leaders who attended the inauguration of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu on Thursday, expressed his confidence that Kenya and Somalia will work together in promoting regional peace and stability.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held in Mogadishu, President Kenyatta said Kenya desires to consolidate and forge closer relations, socio-economic cooperation, and regional stability, which is in the best interest of the people of the two countries.

Representatives from the self-declared Republic of Somaliland blasted the Somali envoy for walking out of the event.

"The Ambassador of Somalia left due to his views on the participation of the Republic of Somaliland at the event. Having said that, this clearly demonstrates the hatred and long-term enmity of Somalia towards the Republic of Somaliland and its people.

"The Republic of Somaliland is a sovereign, independent and democratic country that aspires to live in peace and tranquillity with our neighbouring countries, that includes Somalia," read the statement in part.

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