Kenya-Somaliland lawmakers relaunch parliamentary caucus in Nairobi
The Kenya-Somaliland Parliamentary Caucus was on August 24, 2023 relaunched in Nairobi , heralding a new era of parliamentary collaboration between these two nations.
This was a culmination of a meeting on August 3, 2023 when the Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly Hon. Moses Wetangula hosted a delegation from the Somaliland Representative Office led by Ambassadour Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamud in Nairobi at his offices in Parliament, in Nairobi.
During the courtesy call, Hon. Wetangula and the Somaliland Representative office delegation discussed among other things the relationship between Kenya and Somalilandand the relaunch of the Kenya-Somaliland Parliamentaru Caucus.
Hon. Wetangula gave his blessings for the relaunch of the caucus that had initially been inugurated in 2021.
The venue of the relaunch at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi saw distinguished members of both the Kenyan National Assembly and Senate alongside their counterparts from the Somaliland House of Representatives, gather for the momentous event marked the rebirth of a vital alliance that promises to reshape regional cooperation.
Initially launched in June 2021, the caucus aimed to serve as a platform for robust engagement between the two nations, former Ijara MP Sophia Abdi Noor taking the helm of the caucus, signaling a united effort towards fostering stronger bonds.
The rekindling of the Kenya-Somaliland Parliamentary Caucus holds profound significance in the landscape of regional diplomacy and bilateral relations. The re-establishment of this platform signifies not only a formal commitment between Somaliland and Kenya but also a testament to their shared history, aspirations, and their collective determination to forge a brighter future together.
At the heart of this significance lies the understanding that collaboration between nations transcends mere political boundaries and legal frameworks. The caucus stands as a symbolic bridge, connecting the people of Somaliland and Kenya through shared objectives and common pursuits
The event Master on Ceremony was Adan Haji Yussuf, Member of Parliament for Mandera West Constituency in Kenya, who provided attendees with a brief history of the caucus. Initially established during the 12th Parliament, the caucus had thrived before experiencing a hiatus due to parliamentary elections. Now, with an impressive roster of 30 Members of Parliament registered, and the Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly’s endorsement, the caucus is not only legitimate but poised to thrive as a potent force of diplomacy.
Ambassador Dr Mohamed Ahmed Mohamud, the Somaliland representative to Kenya, delivered a stirring speech that resonated with the shared democratic ideals, economic aspirations, and cultural ties between Somaliland and Kenya. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who championed the revival of the caucus, including Honorable Adan Haji Yussuf and Fadumo Egge, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration between the two nations.
In a poignant moment of recognition, Ambassador Mohamud extended appreciation to Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, for his pivotal role in reinstating the Somaliland-Kenya parliamentary caucus. The occasion also served as a tribute to Safiya Abdi Nour, the former chair of the caucus, who had played a vital role in nurturing the relationship between Somaliland and Kenya.
As the dignitaries addressed the assembly, a panorama of perspectives unfolded, each highlighting key facets of the partnership. Former Somaliland country representative, Mr. Abdillahi Abdi Ali Hersi, envisioned the caucus as a platform for fostering social and economic ties, urging for direct Kenya Airways flights to Hargeisa to bolster movement and trade.
Nairobi Women Representative, Honorable Esther Passaris, underscored the revival of the African continent and lauded Kenya’s initiative in hosting the upcoming climate change summit in September. She called for former caucus members to serve as mentors, setting the stage for the caucus to accomplish significant milestones before year-end.
Honorable Said Mohamed Chute, Senator of Marsabit, advocated for collaboration in areas such as tourism, youth employment, business, and the blue economy. Mandera South MP Abdul Haro provided historical context, highlighting Somaliland’s resilience and the negotiated path to democracy that paved the way for progress post-war.
Joyce Atieno Osogo Bensouda, the Women Representative for Homa Bay County, emphasized the empowerment of women and social development, encouraging women to seize leadership roles. She also championed the cause of nurturing the Kenyan-Somaliland youth for a brighter future.
The culmination of the event saw the caucus selecting key positions, including chair, vice-chair, and secretary, as well as mapping out plans for a delegation of Kenyan MPs to visit Somaliland. This cooperative endeavor represents not only a diplomatic milestone but also a vibrant opportunity for mutual growth and prosperity.
Mohamed Behi Yonis, a prominent Somaliland diplomat and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland, extended his warm congratulations to the selected leaders of the caucus. In a message brimming with optimism, he urged them to collaborate effectively, harnessing their collective energy and wisdom to achieve remarkable milestones in the days ahead.
As the sun set on Nairobi, the inaugural meeting of the Somaliland-Kenya Parliamentary Caucus left an indelible mark, a testament to the power of collaboration and shared aspirations in shaping the destiny of nations. With renewed commitment, the caucus embarks on a journey towards a future marked by unity, prosperity, and harmonious relations between Somaliland and Kenya.
Hon. Adan Haji Yussuf was nominated to spearhead the caucus as its chairperson, with Sophia Abdi Noor assuming the role of secretary.