Kenya's envoy meets Somalia's PM weeks after normalization of ties

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The relationship between Kenya and Somalia may shape for the betterment of regional integration, given the latest dramatic change of heart, after months of wrangles that even attracted international actors among them the Inter-governmental Authority and Development [IGAD].

Somalia had cut diplomatic ties with Kenya, not once, leading to tensions within the Indian Ocean belt, as the two countries traded tirades, at times even threatening military actions against each other over a myriad of challenges.

On Wednesday, Kenya's envoy to Somalia Lt. General [Rtd] Lucas Tumbo held closed-door talks with Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, where they discussed a host of issues pertaining relationship between the two countries.

According to Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, the spokesperson in the office of the PM, Roble assured Tumbo that he will do all he can to ensure the relationship between the two countries is stabilized further for the sake of mutual interests.

"H.E the PM Mohamed Roble receives Kenya Ambassador to Somalia Lucas Tumbo who paid a courtesy call for the first time since the restoration of relations between the two neighboring countries," Moalimuu said.

"PM Roble assures Somalia’s commitment to continue improving bilateral relations with Kenya," he added, without giving many details on the meeting which reportedly lasted for several hours at Roble's office in Villa Somalia.

The meeting comes weeks after Roble met President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya in Djibouti during the inauguration of Guelleh. In Djibouti, Uhuru gave Roble a personal invitation and the PM was supposed to visit Nairobi last month, only for his trip to be postponed.

It's not clear why Roble postponed the trip but he's been handling a number of issues in Somalia, including but not limited to elections. The country is set to hold a presidential election on October 10, 2021, with respect to the calendar that was released this week.

Kenya and Somalia have been struggling with relationships with the latter accusing the former of internal interference especially in the Gedo region. However, a team from IGAD cleared Kenya of any interference, with Qatar also chipping in to restore diplomatic ties between the two nations.

At the International Court of Justice [ICJ], Somalia has sued Kenya over alleged encroachment in the Indian Ocean maritime border. The case will be determined by the courts in the coming months, but Kenya had all through been pushing for an out-of-court settlement.

GAROWE ONLINE