Somalia accuses Kenya of using KDF to meddle in its domestic politics

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Kenya is frequently meddling in domestic politics of Somalia using Kenya Defense Forces troops, Mogadishu has claimed, adding that the move is "regrettable".

The two nations have been having a hot and cold relationship, and have in the past imposed sanctions against each other over diplomatic rows.

For decades, Kenya has acted as "big brother" for the fragile UN-backed Somalia government, often hosting her leadership in Nairobi.

But the mutual relationship seems to be deteriorating, following Wednesday's statement, which directly implicated Kenya of "domestic interference" of Somalia politics.

Why Somalia is offended with Kenya

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Information, Somalia insisted that Nairobi is partly responsible for the security and political instability.

"We are dismayed with the fact that Kenya is persistently interfering with our internal politics and security. This is quite regrettable," read the statement in part.

Noting that the move could cause diplomatic stalemate, Mogadishu added: They are using KDF troops to destabilize our internal affairs and politics."

KDF first invaded Somalia in 2011 under Linda Nchi Operation to pursue Al-Shabaab militants. The troops have since been absorbed into AMISOM.

There are around 3,000 troops in the fragile nation who man sections of Jubaland, a Western state in Somalia, KDF said.

But Somalia insists that "we shall not accept foreign interference" citing sovereignty of the country which has struggled with civil war and terrorism for three decades.

What's behind the latest tensions?

Early this week, Somalia, through Interpol, requested for assistance to have fugitive Jubaland security minister Abdirashid Janan extradited to Mogadishu.

Facing alleged "serious" crimes, Janan escaped from detention last week and jetted to Nairobi aboard a private jet, sources said.

And in a quick rejoinder, Somalia said: "harboring dangerous fugitive will sabotage the good relationship that has existed between us and Kenya".

The statement further read: "The fugitive should be arrested and handed back to face a fair trial in accordance with the laws of Somalia".

Janan, a close ally of Ahmed Madobe, had arrived from Mogadishu by boat in the company of soldiers who were guarding him before flying to Nairobi, sources said.

Janan flew to Somalia by KDF

After a short stint in Nairobi, Janan was allegedly flown to his Beled-Hawo stronghold within Gedo in a KDF chopper on Monday, sources said.

But after deployment of over 200 SNA troops to the troubled region, he reportedly crossed over the border to Mandera, local media said.

On Tuesday morning, reports indicate, he crossed again to El-Wak in Somalia where he held meetings with local leaders before vanishing.

After his escape, thousands of Gedo residents celebrated chanting anti-FGS slogans, a move that further complicates the situation.

SNA troops seized Beled-Hawo town Wednesday, something that could ignite a vicious fight with Jubaland authorities, local media said.

KDF controversy in Somalia

The latest standoff is among many controversial issues involving the Kenyan military serving in Somalia, a move that could invite international retribution.

Last year, KDF was accused by FGS of influencing Jubaland polls, which saw long-term ally Sheikh Madobe retaining his seat.

President Farmajo argued "we cannot allow federal states to used by foreign powers to overthrow me" although he did not give further explanations.

Janan, who is accused of murder and torture by Amnesty International, is said to have worked with KDF to block FGS delegation from accessing Kismayo.

What are the implications of the standoff?

Somalia's latest outbursts could yet again reignite tensions with Kenya, a there could be a possible diplomatic fallout.

Currently, the two countries are involved in a vicious battle over the Indian Ocean maritime dispute, which is now at the International Court of Justice.

In June this year, the court will start listening to submissions from the two sides although Kenya is keen for "out of court settlement".

Last year, it took the mutual intervention by Mohamed Farmajo and Uhuru Kenyatta to restore normalcy after a series of embargos over Indian Ocean row.

Nairobi is yet to respond to the latest allegations by Somalia, although KDF largely uses Jubaland as a buffer zone in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE