Kenyan President William Ruto and other East African leaders held phone talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday, reaffirming support for Somalia's sovereignty following Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
On December 27, 2025, President William Ruto of Kenya joined Uganda's Yoweri Museveni, Tanzania's Samia Suluhu, and Djibouti's Ismael Oguelleh in phone discussions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The talks addressed bilateral, regional, and international issues, including economic cooperation, against the backdrop of Israel's recognition of Somaliland the previous day—a move rejected by the African Union and Somalia.
A statement from Mohamud's office noted: "The Presidents reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity."
Israel's action, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, included pledges for aid in agriculture and economic development, prompting condemnations from Somalia and allies like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Kenya, which hosts a Somaliland representative office in Nairobi, now aligns with these nations, potentially straining ties with Israel.
