Somalia seeks IGAD’s intervention in row with Kenya

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somalia has said it is seeking the intervention of the regional bloc IGAD over ongoing row with Kenya as relations between the two countries fast head south.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs withdrew an earlier tweet which noted the government had filed a ‘suit’ against Kenya and replaced with one indicating it the subject matter was a letter requesting discussing on relations between the two countries.

“In response to the Federal Government of Somalia letter against Kenya, which was submitted to H.E. Abdalla Hamdok, PM of the Republic of Sudan & the Chair of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the IGAD will hold a summit in Djibouti on Dec 20 on this matter,” the new tweet read.

The tweet coincided with the arrival of Somaliland president Muse Bihi in Nairobi Sunday where he is expected to hold talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In kicking out Kenya’s ambassador last month, Somalia accused Nairobi of interfering with its internal affairs. It further claimed Kenya was hosting opposition groups bent on destabilising the country.

The regional body IGAD which has without success sought to intervene in the Ethiopian conflict is expected to meet next week for the talks.