Somalia cuts diplomatic ties with Kenya, citing frequent 'interference'

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A fortnight after reading the riot act and raising questions about Kenya's alleged interference with Somalia, Mogadishu has now cut diplomatic ties with Nairobi, citing "endless interference with our sovereignty and dignity", in yet another statement that showcases the severed relationship between the two nations.

In a statement read by information minister Osman Abukar Dubbe, Mogadishu asked all Kenyan diplomats to vacate from her territories within the next seven days, besides recalling her envoys in Kenya, who are also required to return home within the same period of time.

The minister read the statement at 1:40 a.m. local time, an indication that Farmajo and his cabinet may have been holed up in a crisis meeting over the deteriorating relationship with Kenya, which is a critical player in the peacekeeping mission.

Before the announcement, the IGAD had summoned an urgent meeting to discuss the unfolding events in the Horn of Africa, with the complaints raised by Somalia over Kenya being among the agenda. However, it's not clear if President Uhuru will attend the December 20th forum in Djibouti.

A fortnight ago, Somalia accused Kenya of "inciting" Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe to renege on September pre-election deal, arguing that Nairobi was keen to call shots in the impending elections in Somalia, something which will "violate our sovereignty".

But in a rejoinder, Kenya distanced itself from the allegations and promised to issue a "comprehensive" statement over the matter. Madobe, a close ally of Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] and his Puntland counterpart Said Abdullahi Deni, has called for the withdrawal of Somali National Army [SNA] troops from Gedo for the elections to proceed.

At home, Farmajo is facing also rebellion from the opposition leaders who have accused him of installing NISA agents, his loyalists, and civil servants at the Electoral Committee, which they insist is "compromised". They have called for the disbandment of the team despite the fact that Villa Somalia is determined to hold elections as planned.

Tensions between Nairobi and Mogadishu heightens at about the same time Kenya is courting Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia, for long-term sustainable ties both in trade and security, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

On Monday, Uhuru met Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in State House Nairobi where they discussed relations between the two sides. The meeting will be continued on Tuesday [today] and is set to be Uhuru's last public encounter before he proceeds for annual leave.

At a time when Somalia is accusing Kenya of interference in internal affairs of Somalia, the Arab League issued a statement calling for respect for the sovereignty of Somalia; cessation of any interference that may destabilize the country. Kenya has already denied interfering in Somalia's affairs.

Currently, Kenya has close to 3,500 troops serving in AMISOM and their fate remains unclear following the latest reaction from Mogadishu. The troops first invaded Somalia in 2011 under the operation Linda Nchi and have since been part of the team that has liberated many strategic towns from Al-Shabaab.

Besides the political intrigues, Kenya and Somalia are also engaged in a tough maritime border dispute that is currently in the International Court of Justice at the Hague. The case is set to resume next year in March after a postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

GAROWE ONLINE