NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov, 30 -Kenya on Monday denied interfering with the internal affairs of Somalia- a day after the Eastern Africa neighbour recalled its Ambassador in protest.
Somalia on Sunday issued a statement recalling its Ambassador and in return directed Kenya’s envoy to return, in a bid to allow further consultations.
Both countries have enjoyed long bilateral relationship and share a long border and people of a common heritage, but a territorial dispute has put that to test.
Recently, Kenya sent a high ranking delegation led by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Amb Macharia Kamau for talks with his counterparts in Mogadishu.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s attention has been drawn to a press release purportedly released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The government of Kenya expresses its deep regret over the unfortunate action purportedly taken by the federal government of Somalia requesting Kenya’s ambassador to the country, He, Lt. General (Rtd) Lucas Tumbo to leave for further consultations,” Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The Ministry said Somali’s drastic decision was based on unsubstantiated allegations.
Despite the allegations by Mogadishu, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Kenya believe in the “respect for the cardinal international principles of self-determination, sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all countries and in particular those in Africa.”
“Kenya reiterates its support for the positive steps taken by the people of Somalia in the implementation of the Somali-owned political roadmap on inclusive politics, including the September 2020 agreement between the Federal government of Somalia and Federal member states.”
The Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged all political actors in Somalia to remain true to their political commitments and, “avoid distracting actions” but instead engage constructively to ensure timely implementation of the elections calendar “which will mark another critical phase in the post conflict reconstruction efforts in Somalia.”
The Somalia Federal government Sunday, in a statement said, “The Federal Government of Somalia expresses its regret in the government of Kenya’s overt and blatant interferences in the internal and political affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia which has the potential to be a hindrance to the stability, security and development of the entire region.”
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The Somali government further alleged that Kenya was placing great political pressure on the regional president of Jubaland Ahmed Mohammed Islaan alias Madobe in order to pursue its political and economic interests in the country.
The alleged move has as a result, Mogadishu said, influenced Madobe to renege on an election agreement reached with the Somali federal government back September 17.
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