Abiy to make first trip to Kenya since Tigray war started; to be received at Moyale border town

NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec, 7 – President Uhuru Kenyatta will Wednesday receive his Ethiopian counterpart Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy in Moyale, Marsabit county ahead of his two day state visit.

During the visit at the common border between the 2 neighbouring long terms allies, the heads of state will officially open the Moyale One Stop Border Post (OSBP).

The two leaders will thereafter visit Lamu County where they will inspect the ongoing construction of the new Lamu port, an anchor project of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor, LAPSSET.

Once completed, the project is anticipated to transform the socio-economic lifestyle of the region from the indian ocean, with Lamu as the eastern end to the Atlantic ocean with Douala in Cameroon as the western end.

The LAPSSET project has twice been delayed over inadequate funding and insecurity.

The mega project which was adopted by the African Union elevated its status to attract foreign direct investment and other financiers. It is further said to realise the continent’s dream of a free trade area, (AfCFTA)

In 2019, the LAPSSET development authority applied to the Au programme for infrastructure development in Africa under the New Partnership for Africa development, NEPAD for consideration under the AU Flagship agenda 2063 after facing financial constraints and lack of political will which delayed its implementation.

LAPSET joins other continental corridors such as East Africa’s Northern corridor and central corridor.

The project was launched on March 2, 2012 by former president Mwai Kibaki, late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir.

Already, berth 1 at the Lamu port has been completed and berth 2 and 3 are scheduled to be completed in 2020.

Meanwhile during the visit, the two heads of state are expected to discuss several issues ranging on regional security and trade.

Also Read:

President Kenyatta calls for peaceful resolution of Ethiopian conflict

What next for Ethiopia after a state of emergency in Tigray region?

Surrendering window closed as Ethiopian forces move in for ‘final’ stage war in Mekelle

In 2015, President Kenyatta and former Ethiopian PM Haile Mariam Desalegn signed a Sh20 billion deal to end conflict along their common border and spur development.

Tight security is expected Wednesday in Moyale town and the ’No Man’s land’ where Kenyatta will receive PM Abiy.

This is the first foreign trip Abiy is making out of Ethiopia since he ordered a crackdown on Tigray ruling party amidst international outcry.