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The visit included high-level meetings in Djibouti and Kenya, with officials describing the trip as a “successful re-launch of Somaliland’s foreign policy agenda.”

In Djibouti, President Irro held Somaliland’s first formal talks with Djiboutian authorities since the January 2024 fallout over a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between former President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea.

Djibouti, which had strongly opposed the deal, had since kept relations with Somaliland at arm’s length.

President Irro met with Djiboutian President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh and Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed.

According to sources close to the Somaliland Presidency, the talks helped ease diplomatic tensions and laid the groundwork for “cooler and more constructive engagement” between the two neighbors.

While in Djibouti, Irro also held talks with Ethiopian diplomats led by Kebede Abera Ido, Deputy Ambassador of Ethiopia to Djibouti.

The discussions focused on regional security, trade corridors, infrastructure development, investment opportunities, and humanitarian aid.

“The President discussed the development of the region’s economy, trade facilitation, and strengthening cooperation on security and infrastructure,” read a statement from the Somaliland Presidency.

Irro visited the headquarters of Djibouti Telecom, which manages the country’s critical submarine internet cables.

He also met with the Somaliland diaspora in Djibouti, urging unity and highlighting the strategic importance of a strong, brotherly relationship between Somaliland and Djibouti.

“Somaliland is fully committed to strengthening its ties with the Republic of Djibouti and advancing a shared vision for peace, development, and cooperation between our two brotherly nations,” said Irro during a public address.

Kenya Reception Marks Diplomatic Milestone

On May 30, President Irro was received with what officials described as “unprecedented” hospitality at Kenya’s State House in Nairobi, where he held bilateral talks with President William Ruto.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of strategic priorities, including: Boosting bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and air travel, enhancing regional security, particularly in counter-extremism and peacebuilding as well as promoting educational partnerships, skills training for youth, and institutional capacity building.

While in Nairobi, President Irro formally inaugurated Somaliland’s Liaison Office to Kenya and held a roundtable meeting with international diplomats. He used the occasion to advocate for international recognition, saying:

“We have not come to Nairobi today with a begging bowl. We are not looking for handouts. We are here to build genuine partnerships with governments, investors, and institutions that understand the value of mutual benefit.”

In a separate event at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Irro addressed the Somaliland diaspora, assuring them of his commitment to democratic principles.

“I want to inform my people: you elected me for five years — not a single day, not even an hour, will be added to that mandate,” he said, in a clear pledge against term extension.

Upcoming U.S. Visit and Strategic Offer

Somaliland officials have hinted that President Irro is preparing for an upcoming visit to the United States.

While the exact dates remain unconfirmed, sources say Irro is expected to present what insiders describe as “a deal the U.S. cannot refuse” in exchange for formal recognition.

According to those sources, the proposed package to the U.S. government — specifically the Trump Administration — includes: A long-term lease for the Berbera military base, access to Somaliland’s 850 km-long strategic coastline, rights to develop a spaceport, partnership in rare earth mineral exploration, and oil and gas concessions.

If confirmed, the offer would mark a bold diplomatic gamble by the Irro administration to anchor Somaliland’s recognition drive in strategic geopolitical value.

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Rubio was expected to arrive in Nairobi on April 28 as part of his first diplomatic tour of Africa since his appointment by President Donald Trump in January, State Department announced.

The visit was also set to include a stop in Ethiopia.

However, officials in Washington confirmed the trip has been called off at the eleventh hour, with no official reason given.

The cancellation comes just days after Kenyan President William Ruto returned from a high-profile five-day state visit to China, where he held talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji.

Ruto’s trip, aimed at strengthening trade, investment, and infrastructure ties with Beijing, has sparked unease in Washington.

State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed described the visit as a continuation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2017, highlighting Kenya’s role as China’s leading partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa.

During the visit, Ruto openly criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and, notably, condemned a recent U.S. vote at the UN Security Council that aligned with Russia—further straining relations with Washington.

Links to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) 

Concerns in Washington have also been fueled by Kenya’s recent decision to host Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi, as well as alleged support for rebel factions in eastern DRC.

Diplomats have privately expressed frustration with the Ruto administration’s regional posture.

Adding to the tension is the broader context of the Trump administration’s reported plan to close up to 10 U.S. embassies and 17 consulates worldwide, including several in Africa such as the Central African Republic, Congo, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, and South Sudan.

Consulates in Douala (Cameroon) and Durban (South Africa) are also reportedly under review.

Troy Fitrell, the State Department’s top official for Africa, told reporters last week that U.S. diplomats on the continent have been instructed to prioritize support for American businesses and investment deals.

Sources also indicate that several U.S. companies, which had previously committed to multi-billion-dollar investments in Nairobi, have now pulled out, citing Kenya’s deteriorating corruption levels as a major deterrent.

The fallout has reportedly cost Kenya opportunities worth thousands of billions of shillings that were expected after Ruto’s White House visit last year.

Matters have further deteriorated with the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a major funding channel for Kenya, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S.-Kenya relations.

The Kenyan government has yet to issue an official statement on the cancellation.

However, criticism has been mounting on social media, with some Kenyans questioning the timing of Ruto’s China trip.

“President Ruto chose the worst time to visit China—during heightened U.S.-China tensions over tariffs. Today, he’s seen as a betrayer by his former ally, America,” wrote Steve Mbogo, a prominent commentator on X (formerly Twitter).

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi told People’s Daily that Secretary Rubio’s cancellation likely stemmed from growing concerns over corruption and Kenya’s engagement with rebel groups in the region.

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The signing ceremony took place behind closed doors in Nairobi, Kenya, following a high-profile meeting last week in a government-owned building.

That gathering drew condemnation from Sudan’s Foreign Ministry in Khartoum.

Among the signatories is Abdelaziz al-Hilu, a powerful rebel leader who controls significant territory and forces in South Kordofan.

Al-Hilu has long demanded Sudan adopt secularism.

While the newly declared government has raised concerns at the United Nations, it is unlikely to gain broad international recognition.

However, its formation underscores Sudan’s deepening divisions, with rival factions vying for control.

Civil War and Territorial Gains

The RSF has seized most of western Darfur and parts of the Kordofan region but is facing resistance from the Sudanese army, which is pushing back in central Sudan.

The army has condemned the formation of a parallel government, labeling it an illegitimate move.

Idris, a former official and leader of an armed group, stated that the new government’s official announcement will be made from within Sudan in the coming days.

According to the charter, signatories agreed that Sudan should be a “secular, democratic, non-centralized state” with a single national army.

However, it also allows armed groups to maintain their forces, signaling potential challenges to unifying military command.

The document asserts that the new government does not seek to divide Sudan but rather to unify the country and end the war—tasks it claims the army-aligned government in Port Sudan has failed to achieve.

International Reactions and Allegations

RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely accused of human rights abuses, including genocide, was sanctioned by the U.S. earlier this year.

Dagalo had previously shared power with the army and civilian politicians following the ouster of Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

However, the RSF and the army jointly removed civilian leaders in a 2021 coup before turning on each other in a war over troop integration during Sudan’s democratic transition.

The conflict has plunged Sudan into an “unprecedented” humanitarian crisis, with famine looming in multiple regions and nearly half the population facing severe hunger.

Both the RSF charter signing and last week’s event were hosted in Kenya, sparking diplomatic tensions.

Sudan’s government has accused the United Arab Emirates of backing the RSF militarily and financially, an allegation supported by UN experts and U.S. lawmakers but denied by the UAE.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s military-aligned government in Port Sudan passed constitutional amendments this week, expanding the army’s powers.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has signaled that a “war cabinet” will be announced soon.

As Sudan’s warring factions dig in, prospects for a unified and peaceful resolution remain uncertain.

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The discussions come as the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, causing what the United Nations has described as “mass panic.” The Congolese government has called the insurgency a “declaration of war,” according to AP.

President Ruto also convened an emergency meeting of the East African Community (EAC) to address regional security concerns, emphasizing the need for a collaborative peace process with both regional and international support.

“I have spoken to President Emmanuel Macron of France on the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.  He has expressed support for the regional efforts to deal with the challenge,” Ruto shared on X (formerly Twitter).

President Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting regional interventions and acknowledged Kenya’s role in peace initiatives, not only in DRC but also in Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan.

The capture of Goma by the M23 rebels followed a 48-hour ultimatum for the Congolese army to surrender their weapons.

The group announced the takeover in a statement, urging residents of the city to remain calm.

There has been no immediate response from the DRC government.

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, the UN’s special representative for Congo highlighted the dire situation, stating, “With the airport shut down and roads blocked in the region’s humanitarian and security hub, we are trapped.”

The M23 offensive in this mineral-rich region poses a significant threat to regional stability and risks exacerbating one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.

The humanitarian crisis in the area continues to deteriorate, with millions already displaced and further misery looming.

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On social media, Adan describes her existence as “mundane” and “humdrum”. But it is far from that. She is a highly visible, quick-witted social media activist.

Her activism for social justice and accountability in Kenya began years ago. She has long angered many powerful figures, including Nairobi’s governor.

“Before I started my advocacy on the internet, I lobbied for change on the ground,” she tells The Continent. “It didn’t help, much. Out of frustration, I posted on social media about garbage accumulation in Nairobi. A three-decade problem was fixed in two months.”

Lesson learned, this time around she used social media to mobilise thousands of people to marches and raised about $230,000 for the medical and funeral expenses of those whom police injured or killed in their response to the protests.

“The trust and accountability I have built online made it possible,” she says, adding: “I accounted for the money and was publicly audited.”

Her activism has come at a cost. The misogyny and ethnic bigotry of many of her critics is chilling.

“I have been attacked for being a vocal woman, a Muslim, and for my Somali heritage” she says, lamenting society’s constant need to “humble women”.

Her visibility has many people speaking of her as a key opposition figure in Kenyan politics, something she is quick to distance herself from, saying: “I have no ambitions or desires for any political seat.”

And that is faithful to the spirit of the Gen Z protesters who shook Kenya.

Unlike all political actors before them, they don’t want power, Adan says. Just “a country that works for everyone”.

READ ALSO: Kenya Cabinet Reshuffle: President Ruto Announces Key Changes 

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Reporting by Maureen Kasuku for The Continent.  Maureen is a Kenyan journalist and feminist organiser

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The changes include notable appointments and reassignment of roles aimed at improving service delivery and reducing political tensions with allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, particularly from the Kikuyu political base.

#Kenyan President William Ruto has unveiled a major Cabinet reshuffle, introducing fresh faces and repositioning key leaders to drive the Kenya Kwanza agenda.

The changes include notable appointments and reassignment of roles aimed at improving service delivery and reducing… pic.twitter.com/VW2nujVqcP

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) December 19, 2024

Key Appointments:

Kipchumba Murkomen: Nominated as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Interior and National Administration.

Mutahi Kagwe: Nominated as CS for Agriculture and Livestock Development.

William Kabogo: Nominated as CS for Information, Technology, and Digital Economy.

Lee Kinyanjui: Nominated as CS for Investment, Trade, and Industry.

Salim Mvurya: Reassigned to CS for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.

Diplomatic Appointments:

President Ruto also announced new diplomatic nominations, including former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, who will now serve as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).

Other appointments include:

Margret Nyambura Ndun’gu: High Commissioner to Ghana.

Getrude Angote: High Commissioner to Zimbabwe.

Andrew Karanja: Ambassador to Brazil.

This reshuffle signals a strategic effort to align the government with the President’s development agenda while fostering reconciliation with political groups linked to the previous administration.

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This announcement comes in response to a joint statement issued by the ruling coalition party, Kenya Kwanza, which suggested that both parties had reached an agreement to halt the protests.

“Until we agree that each party has the freedom and right to bring its issues to the table and as we continue to pursue discussion, we shall continue with our engagements with the people,” stated a spokesperson for the Azimio opposition coalition.

The statement was made shortly after Kenyan President William Ruto revealed that he had recently spoken with opposition leader Raila Odinga and other opposition leaders, and they had apparently reached a consensus to put an end to anti-government protests.

“We can compete in anything but cannot have a leader either past, present, or future that will plan chaos and bloodshed. That will not happen in Kenya,” President Ruto asserted, adding that going forward, there would be no violence, and discussions could proceed as Kenya is a free country and a democracy.

The nationwide protests in the country have been marred by police violence, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties according to reports from civil society groups.

The opposition-led protests were initially triggered by the Azimio la Umoja leaders who opposed the rising living costs attributed to tax hikes in Kenya.

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The foreign diplomats acknowledged the daily hardships faced by many Kenyans and urged all parties involved to address their concerns through meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully, with the ultimate goal of nation-building and preventing further loss of life.

The statement emphasized the readiness of the international community to support the parties in finding constructive and peaceful solutions to the challenges facing Kenya.

“We stand ready to support the parties in their efforts to find constructive and peaceful solutions,” they concluded.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Raila Odinga, in a statement released by his One Kenya Party known as Azimio La Umoja, announced a three-day series of anti-government demonstrations starting on Wednesday, July 19, despite the government’s warning that the protests will not be allowed to take place.

Odinga believes that these protests will serve as a significant turning point for the nation.

However, the Kenyan government has declared the planned demonstrations by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Opposition Coalition as illegal, setting the stage for another potential clash between the police and protesters on Wednesday. The previous week’s violent protests called by Odinga resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 20 civilians and the arrest of over 300 people, including an opposition lawmaker.

The police have faced criticism for their heavy-handed response, including the use of tear gas against civilians, with reports even emerging of tear gas being deployed within a school setting.

The growing tension between the government and the opposition raises concerns about the potential escalation of violence and its impact on Kenya’s stability.

The international community’s call for peaceful dialogue and constructive resolutions echoes the urgent need for all parties involved to engage in productive discussions and find common ground for the betterment of the nation.

As Kenya braces for the upcoming protests, all eyes are on the government’s response and the actions of both protesters and law enforcement agencies, with hopes that a peaceful resolution can be achieved without further loss of life or destruction of property.

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Odinga, in a statement released by his One Kenya Party known as Azimio La Umoja, says that these anti-government protests will be a significant game-changer for the nation.

This follows the recent violent protests called by Odinga, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 civilians and the arrest of over 300 people, including an opposition lawmaker.

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY PROTESTS STATEMENT BY AZIMIO LA UMOJA PARLIAMENTARY GROUP JULY 17, 2023

We are here, first and foremost, to confirm that the peaceful protests planned for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week are on as earlier declared by our leadership.…

— Azimio TV (@AzimioTv) July 17, 2023

The police have faced criticism for their heavy-handed response, including the use of tear gas against civilians, even within a school.

Despite stern warnings from the government, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition reaffirmed their commitment to proceed with the planned protests from Wednesday to Friday, citing their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and picketing under Article 37.

“The peaceful protests planned for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week are on as earlier declared by our leaders. These protests will go on in line with Article 37 of our Constitution which provides for freedom of peaceful assembly and picketing and no authority has got the power to suspend the operations of Article 37, no person, authority, agency, not William Ruto, Kithure Kindiki, not Rigathi Gachagua,” Odinga said.

In response, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Interior Tharaka Nithi warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the economy, harm innocent citizens, loot private property, or vandalize public property will face appropriate action, not only in Nairobi but across all 47 counties in the country.

“The Government has not banned public rallies and gatherings. The public order act clearly allows such rallies to be held between 6am and 6pm. However, anyone planning to cause chaos, sabotage the economy, and engage in lawlessness will be dealt with firmly and decisively, in accordance with the law,” Tharaka Nithi said in a statement.

The tense standoff between the government and opposition raises concerns about the potential escalation of violence and the impact on Kenya’s stability.

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