SOMALIA CUT TIES WITH KENYA
Somalia has severed diplomatic ties with Kenya, citing recurring interference in its political affairs.
The Somali Minister of information Osman Abukar Dubbe who made the announcement late Monday on State media also ordered all its diplomats in Kenya to return while giving Kenya Diplomats in Somalia 7 days to leave.
"The Somali government, based on its national sovereignty guaranteed by international law and order, and fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard the nationhood, unity and stability of the country, has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Kenyan government, The Somali Minister said.
This development came after Kenya hosted the self-appointed President of Somaliland, President Musa Bihi Abdi.
“Kenya has no diplomatic presence in Somaliland but takes cognizance of the political & economic stability of the region and is keen to enhance and broaden trade in goods and services, as well as, investment as the cornerstone for long-term development cooperation with the region,” Kenya’s foreign ministry said in response to Somalia’s call that Kenya’s diplomats should leave within 7 days.
Relationships between both neighbouring countries have been tensed in recent times. In November, Somalia accused Kenya of interfering in the electoral process in Jubbaland.
Somalia also accused Kenya of harbouring a fugitive Jubbaland minister who escaped prison but is believed to hiding in Kenya.
Monday’s announcement was made after Somalia lodged a complaint against Kenya to the regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
In response, the IGAD has announced that it will holda summit in Djibouti to address the issue on December 20.
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