IGAD to convene special summit to resolve Kenya,Somalia diplomatic row

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti, Dec, 14 – In a bid to resolve the ongoing diplomatic stalemate between Kenya and her horn of Africa neighbour Somalia, the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is at the behest of the latter who sent a letter to them set to convene a special summit in an a attempt to resolve the diplomatic tiff.

IGAD is set to hold the summit in Djibouti’s capital, Djibouti City on December 20.

Somalia had last week written a letter to the regional authority which Kenya is a member to mediate the ongoing stalemate which observers fear might have a spill-over effect in the region.

A statement from the Somalia Ministry of Foreign affairs revealed that the Chair of the IGAD assembly of heads of state and government , Sudan Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdock has already started the ball rolling in an attempt to strike consensus between the two neighbours.

Somalia on November 29 expelled Kenya’s ambassador Lt. General (Rtd) Lucas Tumbo and recalled its envoy, Ambassador Ahmed Nuur, after accusing Kenya of interfering with its electoral process further calling for consultations.

A move Somalia said caused Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Madobe to renege on an election agreement.

These are claims Kenya has denied terming the allegations as “unsubstantiated” as it called on Somalia to focus and remain true to its political commitments and avoid, “distracting actions.”

In the ongoing war of words, Somalia has also accused Kenya, particularly the Kenya Defence Forces in Somalia under AMISOM of withdrawing its troops in the strategic towns of Fafadhun and Busaar without consulting the Federal government of Somalia.

Tension between the two countries is not a new phenomenon.

Last year, Kenya recalled its ambassador after Somalia decided to auction off oil and gas exploration blocks at the centre of a maritime territorial dispute.

The matter is before the International court of justice (ICJ)

IGAD which is tasked with promoting regional cooperation and integration, adding value to member states’ efforts in achieving peace, security and prosperity will now seek to resolve the matter sooner rather than later.