Kenya welcomes findings of probe into diplomatic conflict with Somalia

Kenya welcomes findings of probe into diplomatic conflict with Somalia

Kenya has welcomed a report of the Fact Finding Mission that was established to look into issues surrounding the diplomatic tension with Somalia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the Fact Finding Mission, which visited both Nairobi and Mogadishu to establish facts of the matter, affirmed that allegations raised by Somalia against Kenya were unfounded and that the decision by Somalia to severe diplomatic ties with Kenya was uncalled for.

“The Report of the Fact Finding Mission affirms the fact that the allegations by Somalia against Kenya are wholly unfounded. It is also clear that the decision by the Federal Government of Somalia to severe diplomatic relations with Kenya was uncalled for and has negatively impacted the lives of Somali nationals who seek relief and amenities in Kenya, AMISOM operations and the livelihoods of citizens of both countries,” the Ministry said in a statement released on Wednesday.

“More importantly, it is now evident that the simulated crisis being contrived by Somalia does not advance IGAD’s vision for achieving peace, prosperity and regional integration in the region.”

The Fact Finding Mission was established by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti during the 38th Extraordinary Assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government held on December, 20, 2020 in Djibouti and which was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

During the summit, the Federal Government of Somalia reiterated allegations against Kenya causing the Assembly to call for a verification of the allegations. Somalia accused Kenya of among other things alleged interference and violation of her territorial integrity.

“During its visit to Kenya, the Fact Finding Mission was provided irrefutable evidence invalidating all allegations against Kenya and accorded every assistance including a visit to the Kenya – Somali border to independently verify facts on the ground,” adds Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The Ministry added that: “This impartial report definitively settles the matter; Kenya will not be drawn into this reckless campaign whose sole intent remains the creation of artificial fissures for parochial and domestic political ends at the expense of regional peace and security.”

Meanwhile, Kenya has reiterated its commitment to uphold regional peace and security.

“Working with different Somali administrations, IGAD and other partners, the Government and People of Kenya have spared no cost to stabilise Somalia and create conditions for peace and prosperity; this remains our long held commitment from which we will not be distracted,” said the Ministry.

On December 15 last year, Somalia severed diplomatic ties with Kenya and recalled all her citizens back to Mogadishu and ordered all Kenyan diplomats to leave within 7 days.

Somalia’s Minister of Information Osman Dubbe, in a televised address, claimed Kenya has constantly meddled in Somalia’s internal affairs and politics.

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