Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau has responded saying that Nairobi regrets Somalia’s decision to recall its envoy — By Enock Mukoma.
He has said that the two countries will try to engage diplomatically to end the standoff.
“This unexpected and unwarranted behavior of Somalia leadership is something that requires some digesting before we can speak to it. We will respond officially through the appropriate channels soon,” Macharia said.
Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mohamed Ali Nur said that Somalia was recalling its Ambassador to Kenya Mohamud Ahmed Nur ‘Tarzan’ and ordered Kenya’s envoy to Mogadishu Lucas Tumbo out of the country.
Though without evidence Somali, accused Kenya of interfering in its internal and political affairs.
In response, the Principal Secretary said that Kenya was evaluating Mogadishu’s decision and would respond through appropriate channels and in good time.
In the recent day’s officials in Nairobi have shown a desire to go beyond political bickering with Somalia to focus on trade and ease of movement of people.
Kenya announced earlier this month it will start giving Somalis visas on arrival, something it had suspended from 2018 as it courted Somalia to open up investment channels for Kenyans.
This is just the latest of the many diplomatic tiffs that have hit the two East African nations with the major one being the Indian Ocean maritime dispute.
