African Union calls for ‘restrain’ in Kenya-Somalia tensions

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ADDIS ABABA: The African Union has called for ‘restrain and dialogue’ between Kenya and Somalia following the fighting in Bula Hawo Monday that claimed at least 11 lives.

African Union Commission chairperson Mousa Fakki said it was incumbent on the two countries to dial down tensions noting peace in the border was vital for regional stability.

“I’m following the tensions on the Kenya-Somalia border with concern, and urge the two neighbours to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue in conformity with the IGAD-led process,” Faki said in a tweet.

“Peace on the Kenya-Somalia border is vital to regional stability.”

AU Peace and Security Council commissioner Smail Chergui echoed Faki’s remarks calling for the protection of civilians.

“I am concerned about the situation in Somalia’s Gedo region. Our main focus remains the protection of civilians, to avert a humanitarian crisis and a spillover that could impact peace and security in the region. We need restraint and dialogue from all concerned parties,” Chergui said.

Somalia accused Kenya Monday of supporting the Jubbaland forces to invade Bula Hawo but Internal Security Minister Fred Matiang’i dismissed the claims noting the fighting happened on Somalia soil and that “Kenya had nothing to do with it’.