JUNE,Kenya, June 14 – Kenya and Somalia are back on the path to restore full diplomatic relations following a prolonged disagreement characterized by failed resolution efforts, political suspicion and lack of goodwill from both states.
The countries however following months of animosity towards each other on the regional stage that saw both countries recall their envoys are now gearing towards restoring broken ties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya Monday acknowledged a correspondence from her counterpart in Mogadishu who had earlier requested that the two countries normalize and restore diplomatic relations.
“Government of the Republic of Kenya will proceed to reopen its Embassy in Mogadishu soon as possible,” read the statement from the ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kenya has on her part invited the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Kenya to return to Nairobi and resume his duties.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kenya avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia assurances of its highest consideration.”
This comes days after Kenya reopened its airspace to flights originating from Somalia and emanating from Kenya to Somalia following weeks of radio silence.
The move comes weeks after Kenya suspended flights to the horn of Africa nation in a notice that excluded medical and United Nations humanitarian flights.
The notice was expected to run until August 9, 2021.
The reasons for the ban was not clear but it is believed to be as a result of an ongoing ban on the transportation of khat to Somalia.
The statement from Kenya’s ministry of Foreign Affairs last week Thursday is seen as a charm offensive as the two countries attempt to normalize their relations.
Somalia had earlier cut diplomatic ties with Kenya in December 2020, alleging constant violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and interference in internal affairs.
Kenya denied all the accusations.
The countries are also engaged in an ongoing maritime boundary dispute over who controls a section of the Indian Ocean waters believed to contain large deposits of oil and natural gas.
“This goodwill measure has been made in the mutual interest of our two countries and in the hope that it will cause the full normalization bilateral relations between Kenya and Somalia including diplomatic, trade and people to people leakages that have undergone undue strain,” reads the statement by MFA.
The two countries insist that that will renew their enduring bonds of friendship and partnership.
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