- Advertisement -
After a six-month shortage between Kenya and Somalia, diplomatic relations resumed following a silent exchange of letters between the two foreign ministries. On Saturday, June 12, Mogadishu had signaled that they wanted to open their respective embassies again. An invitation accepted on Monday, June 14 by Nairobi, which even speaks of a recovery “as soon as possible”.
as reported from Nairobi, Sebastien nemeth
Relations between Kenya and Somalia have been in serious crisis for almost two and a half years, after Mogadishu auctioned off oil blocks in a maritime area that Nairobi claims. The merger now appears to be in place. However, the roots of the crisis remain.
Unresolved border dispute
The two countries have still not resolved their border dispute. The International Court of Justice’s ruling is pending, as Kenya avoided the final hearings in March by accusing the ICJ of bias.
In this context, not sure that the judges’ decision will definitely resolve the dispute. Other issues also await. Commercial discussions must be held, especially the Somali ban on Kenyan khat or when Kenya Airways has access to Mogadishu Airport.
Finally, there is the issue of the Dadaab camp. Kenya wants it closed. The return of almost 500,000 refugees, mainly Somalis, is planned for June 2022. These are thorny issues that are likely to revive bilateral tensions at any time.
“Reopening” of the embassy
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government will “reopen its embassy in Mogadishu as soon as possible” and “invite the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to return to Nairobi and resume its functions”, the Kenyan Foreign Ministry is launching again.
► Also read: Air connections officially restored between Kenya and Somalia
.
