The Somali government announced late Monday it is pulling Kenyan diplomats out of Nairobi. Starting December 15, all Kenyan diplomats should leave Mogadishu within seven days, VoA has learned.
Somalia is going to cut diplomatic ties with Kenya, referring to the violations of Somalia’s sovereignty. According to Osman Abukar Dubbe, Somalia Information Minister, the decision had been taken in response to what he called recent blatant interference by Kenya against Somalia’s independence.
Kenya did not immediately respond to the neighbouring country’s diplomatic move.
Over the years, relations between the two African nations remain frosty but they even have deteriorated since November 29, when Somalia recalled its ambassador to Nairobi. In addition, it instructed Kenya’s ambassador to leave Mogadishu for consultations with his government.
Somalia accuses Kenya of interferences in the internal affairs
On Monday, Somalia accused Kenya of placing “great political pressure” on Somali regional leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam known as Ahmed Madobe of Jubaland, in order to pursue its political and economic interests in Somalia, an official statement said.
Kenya’s ministry of foreign affairs said the sides are discussing areas of “mutual interests.” the African neighbours should find a compromise as soon as possible to avoid the deteriorating the situation.
According to Nairobi, Somaliland remains an important partner in the Horn of Africa region in the fight against terrorism and particularly Al-Shabab. Kenya added it is keen to enhance and broaden trade and investment with Somalia.
