Somalia accuses Kenya of plotting 'attack' on its soil amid tension

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali government has on Saturday accuses Kenya of hosting a militia; illegally arming and equipping them in Mandera with the intent to destabilize the country.

The Country’s Information Ministry has said the FGS received information indicating that Kenya is plotting an attack on the border town of Beled-Hawo in the Gedo region, targeting Somali army bases.

Somalia warned Kenya against aggression and illegal actions on its border that could undermine the stability of the already fragile Horn of Africa. The statement comes at a time of the sharp diplomatic split.

“The Federal Government of Somalia will take all necessary steps to ensure its political independence, territorial integrity, and protection of the dignity of the people,” the statement seen by GO reads in part.

The FGS reiterated that the blatant interferences in the internal affairs of Somalia can potentially ignite instability and affect the security of the region. Nairobi has not yet commented on the latest allegations.

The diplomatic spat brewed following the Somaliland leader’s two-day visit to Kenya last week, which led FGS to withdrew its diplomats from Kenya and gave Kenyan diplomats seven days to leave Mogadishu.

Somalia cut off ties with Kenya after blaming Nairobi for trying to ‘infringe upon the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of the nation ahead of crucial general elections.

After the FGS decision, Kenya announced it reached deal with Somaliland to establish closer relations by opening a consulate in Hargeisa by the end of March 2021.

The joint communique added that Kenyan Airways, the national flag carrier would start direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa by that date.

GAD leaders are set to hold a meeting in Djibouti on Sunday after FGS lodged a letter against Kenya to bloc’s chair Abdalla Hamdok, the Prime Minister of Sudan.

Kenya is a major contributor of troops to AMISOM, an African Union Mission Somalia that has been fighting the Al-Shabaab for 13 years to help FGS regain control of the whole country.

GAROWE ONLINE