Somalia Restores Diplomatic Ties With Kenya

The Federal Republic of Somalia has announced the restoration of diplomatic ties with Kenya.

In a statement released on Thursday, May 6, 2021, the Horn of Africa nation stated that the two countries had resolved to end the dispute as a gesture of keeping with interest in good neighbourliness.

The talks to end the diplomatic row between the two countries were mediated by the Emir of Qatar.

"Mogadishu 6th May 2021, the Federal Government of Somalia announces that in keeping with the interest of good neighbourliness, it has resumed diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kenya.

"The two governments agree to keep friendly relations between the two countries on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence," the statement read in part.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somalia counterpart expressed gratitude to the Emir of the State of Qatar for brokering the peace talks.

Somalia severed ties with Kenya on December 15, 2020, accusing the latter of interfering with its sovereignty.

 Somalia Information Minister Osman Dubbe then proceeded to recall all Somali diplomats from Kenya, while ordering Kenyan diplomats to leave the country.

Local communities, leaders, and the international community had called upon the two countries to resolve the dispute.

They had all noted that the row would see a spike in terror activities by the Al Shabaab, and the possibility of refugees.