Leaders weigh in on Kenya-Somalia diplomatic row over disputed gas and oil blocks in Indian Ocean,2 ambassadors expelled and recalled

Somali authorities hold meeting, leaders break silence on Kenya-Somalia diplomatic row

Charles Ouma

February 17, 2019 6:10 PM

Way forward for Kenya-Somalia relations

File image of President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo

For the better part of Sunday, top Mogadishu officials, including President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre were reportedly holed up in meetings to deliberate on the diplomatic tiff with Kenya.

A statement giving the way forward is expected to be issued later on in the day in what BBC Somali puts "as relations between Kenya and Somalia have plummeted to an all-time low".

At the center of the row are oil and gas blocks in 62,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean, believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits in dispute and which were allegedly auctioned by Somalia.

Somalia's ambassador to Kenya Mohamoud Ahmed Nur alias Tarzan who as expelled on Saturday Pulse Live Kenya

The diplomatic tiff has so far seen Kenya expel Somali ambassador Mohamoud Ahmed Nur alias Tarzan and recall its envoy to Somalia Lt. Gen. Lucas Tumbo escalate.

The plane carrying the ambassador together with Somalia’s First Lady Zeynab Moalim, who was from a visit to Kenya and Foreign minister Ahmed Issa Awad touched down in Mogadishu early on Sunday.

Media reports indicate that Mr Awad was on transit in Nairobi, on his return from Sweden and was joined by the other dignitaries on the final leg of the journey to Somalia.

Mudavadi breaks silence on diplomatic row

Meanwhile, NASA principal Musalia Mudavadi has urged the international community to move in with speed and end the brewing border row between Kenya and Somalia before it escalates.

Addressing the congregation during a service at House of Grace church along Lang'ata Road, Mudavadi warned that any escalation of conflict in the region will only lead to more problems for Kenya.

Musalia Mudavadi during a service at House of Grace church along Lang'ata Road Pulse Live Kenya

“We do not want any escalation of conflict in this region. We, as Kenya, are suffering from the impact of the unstable nation next to us. We bear the brunt. We have seen many of our people die in terrorists' attempts and other things,” Mudavadi said.

Charles Ouma