Wednesday August 5, 2020
Bashe Awil Haji Omar- Facebook
NAIROBI (HOL) - A senior Somaliland official has hinted at a likely move by Kenya to ‘recognise’ the breakaway region of Somalia as an independent state.
Somaliland representative to Kenya Omar Bashe said in a series of tweets the two sides were moving closer and deepening engagements.
“A move by Kenya to engage more deeply with Hargeisa will be a massive boost to our economic and social transaction. Furthermore Somaliland plays an even bigger role in promoting peace in the Horn of Africa region!,” Bashe said.
The diplomat was reacting to an article by the local media that Kenya’s cabinet was ‘discussing’ possible options towards recognition of Somaliland.
There have also been reports Somaliland President Muse Bihi could be heading to Nairobi soon.
HOL could not independently verify these reports.
Talks of Kenya’s diplomatic engagements with Somaliland adds to increasing international interests in the region which have seen Ethiopia and Egypt send emissaries to Hargeisa in the last one month.
Nairobi and Mogadishu have had a series of diplomatic fallouts in the last two years chiefly as a result of the ongoing maritime dispute.
Taiwan and Somaliland announced at the beginning of July a start of diplomatic relations with each appointing representatives to their respective territories.
Taipei Times reported Tuesday Taiwan will be open a representative office in Somaliland at the end of August.