Nov 30, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — Shortly after Somalia recalled its Ambassador to Kenya and asked the Kenya Ambassador to leave Somalis, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau responded by saying that Nairobi regrets Somalia’s decision to recall its envoy and promised that the two countries will discuss the matter diplomatically.
“This unexpected and unwarranted behaviour of Somalia leadership is something that requires some digesting before we can speak to it. We will respond officially through the appropriate channels soon,” Macharia said.
Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mohamed Ali Nur said that Somalia was recalling its Ambassador to Kenya Mohamud Ahmed Nur ‘Tarzan’ and ordered Kenya’s envoy to Mogadishu Lucas Tumbo out of the country.
Although Somali did not provide evidence, it accused Kenya of interfering in its internal and political affairs.
“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,” Mohamed Ali Nur claimed.
“In recent weeks, it has become apparent to the Federal Government of Somalia that the Kenyan government is placing great political pressure on the regional President of Jubbaland, Mr Ahmed Mohamed Islan Madobe in order to pursue its political and economic interests in Somalia,” he said.
In response, the Principal Secretary said that Kenya was evaluating Mogadishu’s decision and would respond through appropriate channels and in good time.
Lately, officials in Nairobi have been indicating a desire to go beyond political bickering with Somalia to focus on trade and ease of movement of people.
Kenya announced earlier this month it will start giving Somalis visas on arrival, something it had suspended from 2018 as it courted Somalia to open up investment channels for Kenyans.
This is just the latest of the many diplomatic tiffs that have hit the two East African nations with the major one being the Indian Ocean maritime dispute.
