Kenya denies meddling in Somalia's internal affairs, slams envoy expulsion

NAIROBI, Kenya - The government of the Republic of Kenya has dismissed claims that it's interfering with Somalia's internal politics just hours after Mogadishu reprimanded Nairobi for what it termed as "persistent interference of our internal politics particularly in Jubaland".

In a statement that was issued on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that the claims by the federal government of Somalia could not be substantiated, further showing the strained relationship between the two nations whose ties have been severely impaired over the last decade.

The government of Kenya further claimed that it has not received any Note Verbale or any other official communication from Mogadishu requesting Kenya’s ambassador to leave for Nairobi for consultations.

“However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ attention has been drawn to a press statement purportedly released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” a statement from the ministry said read.

Somalia expelled Kenya's ambassador to Mogadishu Lucas Tumbo and recalling its own envoy from Nairobi, citing alleged interference of internal affairs in Jubaland. According to Mogadishu, Nairobi was responsible for the withdrawal of Ahmed Madobe from the September pre-election deal.

"The federal government of Somalia expresses it regret in the government of Kenya's overt and blatant interferences in the internal and political affairs of Somalia which has the potential to be a hindrance to stability," a statement from Somalia's Foreign Affairs ministry said.

Macharia Kamau, the Principal Secretary of the department, said Kenya regretted the decision. Kamau said Nairobi was evaluating Mogadishu's decision and would respond through appropriate channels and in good time.

"This unexpected and unwarranted behavior of Somalia leadership is something that requires some digesting before we can speak to it. We will respond officially through the appropriate channels soon," ambassador Kamau said.

In the Monday press release, Kenya said the decision by Somalia was regrettable.

"This action is reportedly based on unsubstantiated allegations, namely, “continued interference in the internal affairs of Somalia”. The Government of Kenya respects and upholds the cardinal international principles of self-determination, sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of all countries, and in particular those in Africa," Nairobi said.

Kenya reiterates its support of the positive steps taken by the Somalis in the implementation of the "Somali-owned Political Roadmap on Inclusive Politics, including the September 2020 Agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States on the election model and election calendar for 2020-21".

Nairobi said it continues to support the people of Somalia in their quest for peace and stability by employing active diplomacy. This is the latest of the many diplomatic tiffs that have hit the two Horn of Africa nations, the major one being the Indian Ocean maritime dispute.

In March last year, Somalia had also expelled Tumbo following the contested Indian Ocean maritime border, but the two nations resolved to be tolerant to each other. The presence of KDF troops in Jubaland has particularly been the bone of contention, but Kenya insists that the troops are working in accordance with international standards.

GAROWE ONLINE