Somali Deputy Prime Minister Returns Kenyan Passport After Border Security Allegations

MOGADISHU, Aug. 3  — Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji said Monday he had voluntarily returned his Kenyan passport, describing the move as part of efforts to uphold transparency and accountability among government officials.

In a statement, Jibril said the Kenyan passport had been legally issued to him under the country's laws and procedures and that he had used it lawfully during the period he held it.

He stressed that his decision was not prompted by a dispute or a request from the Kenyan government, but was a personal choice aimed at demonstrating his commitment to his official responsibilities as a member of Somalia's federal government.

"This step reflects my commitment to protecting the integrity of the office I hold and my loyalty to the Federal Republic of Somalia," he said.

The deputy prime minister also thanked the Kenyan government and people for their longstanding hospitality and support to Somalis, saying he valued the relationship between the two neighbouring countries and remained committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The decision comes after Jibril was stopped and denied entry at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in June, after Kenyan authorities reportedly accused him of obtaining the passport improperly.

At the time, he rejected the allegations, insisting that the document had been issued in accordance with Kenyan law.

The incident followed accusations that the deputy prime minister had been involved in transferring weapons into Kenya, contributing to insecurity and tensions along the border areas. The claims were linked to the decision by Kenyan authorities to turn him back from Nairobi airport, although Jibril has denied any wrongdoing.

The return of the passport also comes amid reports that Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently instructed cabinet members holding Kenyan passports to return them within a specified period and choose between retaining the foreign nationality document or continuing to serve in government.

Kenya and Somalia share a long and complex relationship, with cooperation on security, trade and regional stability, while also facing periodic tensions linked to border security and political issues.

GAROWE ONLINE