Somalia calls on Kenya to cease 'interference'

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has called on Kenya to “stop interfering” in the internal affairs of the country as relations between the two neighboring nations at “a very low point”, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement obtained by Garowe Online, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs the FGS will not tolerate any country that is part of the troop-contributing countries to AMISOM to overstep its mandate and meddle in the internal affairs of the host country.

“The Federal Government of Somalia calls upon Kenya to swiftly halt its ongoing violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and encroachment in the border areas between the two countries,” read the statement released on Thursday, 27th February 2020.

The FGS said it remains committed to supporting all AMISOM authorized military operations in Somalia, however, as an independent country; it will not tolerate any form of intrusion to its sovereignty by any country that is part of the AU mission.

In addition, the Mogadishu-based Somali government which is largely dependent on AMISOM protection has urged the Kenyan government to cease destabilizing acts along the porous border.

“Kenya’s continued encroachment in the border areas out-rightly undermines the stability and sovereignty of Somalia,” said the statement, warning Kenya against its new conduct of the country’s sovereignty that damages Int’l agreements and AU principles.

The statement comes as Non-AMISOM Ethiopian troops are operating in the Gedo region who are being accused of violating the country’s sovereignty and assisting the Somali government in ongoing invasion to destroy Jubaland state.

In September 2019, Somalia and Kenya agreed to normalize ties, following months of tension over a maritime border rift. The rapprochement came after talks mediated by Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of UNGA 2019.

Kenya and Somalia have been at loggerheads over a maritime boundary dispute, which is currently before the International Court of Justice, ICJ, in The Hague and is expected to begin the hearing of the sea row next June.

GAROWE ONLINE