ICJ to conclude hearing of Kenya-Somalia maritime border case

HAGUE, Netherlands - The International Court of Justice [ICJ] will on Thursday [today] conclude the hearing of the maritime border dispute between Kenya and Somalia, after almost a week of submissions at the Hague-based court, which has jurisdictions to handle the matters.

For the last week, the court has been handling the matter after postponing it thrice on previous occasions, after Kenya failed to secure the fourth postponement, citing Covid-19 pandemic and mysterious disappearance of a map as some of the reasons.

In an update on Wednesday, ICJ said the case will conclude on Thursday, adding that it will begin deliberating the matter immediately after today. It's not clear how long it will take to have the matter completely handled.

"Hearings in the case concerning Maritime Delimitation in the Indian Ocean [Somalia v. Kenya] will conclude tomorrow, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court, after which the Court will begin its deliberation," the court said.

"Oral arguments were presented by the Federal Republic of Somalia on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 March 202," it added, noting Kenya had not participated in the presentations.

Today, the federal republic of Somalia will take part in the proceedings from 5 pm local time. Kenya bolted out under unclear circumstances, but the court insisted the case will go on as planned.

"In light of the fact that, by a letter dated 17 March 2021, the Republic of Kenya confirmed its decision not to participate in the oral proceedings, Somalia will present its final submissions on Thursday 18 March 2021 at 3 p.m," added the statement.

GAROWE ONLINE