Ethiopia's Somali State president welcomed in Nairobi as leaders hail cross-border unity, progress
President Mustafa expressed his gratitude to the Somali community in Nairobi for organising the event and hosting him. He stated that it was a moment of pride to witness the unity of Somali people outside Ethiopia.
Residents of the Somali State living in Nairobi organised a welcoming ceremony on Sunday for their visiting regional president, Mustafa Mohammed.
The event brought together leaders from both Kenya and Ethiopia, highlighting the close ties shared between the Somali communities across the two countries.
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President Mustafa arrived in Kenya on Friday at the invitation of Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, who had invited him to take part in the Garissa Cultural Day celebrations that took place on Saturday.
The welcoming event in Nairobi was attended by several prominent figures, including governors Ahmed Abdullahi of Wajir, Mohamed Adan Khalif of Mandera and Nathif Jama of Garissa.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Kenya, General Bacha Debele, was also present at the ceremony.
Several Kenyan MPs, deputy governors and ministers from the Somali State were also present.
In his address, President Mustafa expressed his gratitude to the Somali community in Nairobi for organising the event and hosting him. He stated that it was a moment of pride to witness the unity of the Somali people outside Ethiopia.
He also spoke about the progress that the Somali State has made since he assumed leadership, attributing much of the region’s autonomy and peace to reforms made by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Some of the people who attended President Mustafa’s welcoming ceremony in Nairobi on May 18, 2025. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Mustafa told the audience that under the current administration, the Somali State has been allowed to govern itself without external interference from the national government.
He emphasised that this has resulted in greater stability and noticeable development across the region.
“The Somali State is now peaceful. Development is happening. There are no longer politically motivated arrests like there were in the past,” he said. “We are in the era of social media. You can now know anything about our state anytime and anywhere.”
The president also called on members of the diaspora to return and take part in building the region. He encouraged them to invest in local businesses and contribute to the economic growth of the area.
“I am urging those from our area who live here to come back and invest back in our region. Come benefit your people and yourself,” he said.
Kenyan leaders attending the ceremony commended President Mustafa for his leadership and acknowledged the changes being experienced in the Somali region of Ethiopia.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Council of Governors, shared personal memories of President Mustafa before he took office. He encouraged him to remain resilient in the face of criticism.
“You will be hit by the opposition and even some of your own people, but you must grow a thick skin,” said Governor Ahmed.
He referred to an ongoing infrastructure project, the road linking Jigjiga to the Kenyan border, as a major step forward.
He noted that although some may downplay its significance, it would eventually be recognised.
“People may not praise you while you’re still in office, but they will remember you when you leave,” he added.
Governor Ahmed also pointed out that the Somali region, much like Kenya’s north eastern counties, has historically lagged behind other areas in development. However, he said progress is now visible, and the efforts of the regional leadership are beginning to bear fruit.
Ambassador Bacha Debele of Ethiopia commended the Somali community for playing a crucial role in the Ethiopian social fabric. He thanked the Kenyan government and its people for providing a platform for cultural and investment cooperation.
“Kenya has played an important role in promoting culture and investment,” he said.
Other community leaders also used the occasion to voice their support for President Mustafa. They spoke about the need to maintain peace and unity within the Somali region and to build on the current gains through inclusive participation and investment.
The ceremony ended with calls for continued collaboration between Somali communities in Kenya and Ethiopia, and a shared commitment to regional peace and development.
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