Somalia reaffirms support for Djibouti in UN Security Council bid

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has projected itself as a strong supporter of Djibouti in its quest for a non-permanent seat at UN security council, amid tussles with Kenya over Gedo impasse.

Kenya will lock horns with Djibouti in June this year at New York, despite the former enjoying backing by the African Union for the seat.

But the race may have been hijacked by Mogadishu as a weapon against Kenya, with the country's leadership accusing Nairobi of "interference" with Somalia's domestic affairs.

On Monday, Somalia accused Kenya of aiding Jubaland troops in Bula-Hawo town where fighting broke out, a claim which was dismissed by Nairobi as "choreographed" propaganda.

Abdinur Mohamed, Villa Somalia's director of communication, reaffirmed Mogadishu's support for Djibouti in the UNSC race, predictably in protest to Gedo skirmishes.

"Djibouti's drive for a seat at the UN Security Council has the unconditional backing of Somalia," Mr. Mohamed, the spokesman of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo said.

In August last year, 37 African states endorsed Kenya for the seat, with 13, mainly francophone nations, voted in favor of Djibouti, a tiny Horn of Africa nation.

Although Djibouti conceded defeat, it would later plunge into the race in a shocking move and has since launched sophisticated campaigns for the seat much to the provocation of Nairobi.

But Somalia, Abdinur added, supports Djibouti "due to its consistent neutrality and promotion of regional stability. It will be a great reward for the rotational policy".

By last month, the two countries had taken their battle in New York, lobbying for support from among moderate states, who are yet to declare support to either of the parties.

Gedo, a region within the Federal state of Jubaland, has played battle between Somalia and regional forces, who are said to enjoy unsolicited support from KDF.

For instance, skirmishes erupted on Monday at the region, almost spilling over to Kenya, with several businesses closing down in an incident that left several casualties besides the destruction of telecommunication masts.

Jubaland accuses Farmajo of interfering with its internal administration, with authorities claiming that there are plans to establish a parallel administration in the region to counter Kismayo's influence.

Although Somalia insists that the assault targeted Al-Shabaab, the SNA troops have been in pursuit of Abdirashid Janan, Jubaland security minister, who accused Mogadishu of "targeting him because he is working under Ahmed Madobe".

Kenya, which moved in to comb the border town of Mandera through KDF, dismissed claims of interference in Somalia affairs as "fabrications" in a statement dispatched by Foreign Affairs department.

With US and Nairobi calling for dialogue between FGS and federal states, Kenya is also embroiled in the Indian Ocean maritime dispute with Somalia, a move that further complicates diplomatic ties.

The two nations will face off at the International Court of Justice in June, even though there have been spirited efforts from Nairobi for out of court settlement. UNSC new members will serve for the 2021/22 period.

GAROWE ONLINE