Kenya recalls its ambassador to Somalia in diplomatic row after the country auctioned disputed oil and gas blocks

Kenya recalls its ambassador to Somalia, orders its envoy to leave Nairobi

Charles Ouma

February 16, 2019 7:59 PM

Diplomatic row erupts between Kenya and Somalia

File image of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Aide-de-Camp Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Stelu Lekolool at State House Nairobi

Kenya has recalled its ambassador to Somalia Lt. Gen. Lucas Tumbo in a row pitting the two countries against each over oil and gas.

According to Foreign Affairs PS Macharia Kamau, Somalia ignored internationally accepted norms of boundary disputes resolution as well as political and diplomatic disagreements by auctioning oil and gas blocks in disputed territory.

“The Federal Government of Somalia has sadly demonstrated that it has not yet attained and embraced political maturity and diplomatic stance of a normal, well-adjusted and properly functioning modern government,” he said.

In a terse press conference, the PS slammed Somalia for taking Kenya’s unwavering support through political and humanitarian hardships for granted, term the move by Somalia as ‘tragic and regretful.’

Kenya's ambassador to Somalia Lt. Gen. Lucas Tumbo Pulse Live Kenya

“Kenya has stood with Somalia without once flinching on its responsibility to its neighbour nor shirking in its international responsibility to the people of Somalia ,” Kamau stated.

Reports indicate that the auction took place in London, United Kingdom on February 7, 2019.

The PS expressed regrets that the actions by Somalia ‘severely undermined the existing cordial and brotherly relations’ between the two nations and has compromised half a century’s worth of dedication and cooperation between Kenya and Somalia.

Two days ago, the Somali government announced that it would award exploration licenses to foreign oil companies. The move was met with resistance with the country’s opposition urging the government to wait until laws and regulations governing the oil sector were in place.

Charles Ouma