On Tuesday, the African Union (AU) raised concerns with the rising tensions between Kenya and Somalia, which saw sporadic violence in Bula-Hawo. The union has called for dialogue to deescalate tension.
The fighting arose between Somalia National Forces and regional Jubbaland fighters, which Somalia claims have been trained in Kenya.
At least nine people, including civilians, were killed on the Somali side where the battle occurred on Monday morning.
The AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat called on both sides to deescalate tensions and use multilateral channels to voice their complaints.
He said that he is following the tensions on the Kenya-Somalia border with concern, and urged the two neighbours to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue in conformity with the Igad-led process.
He added that Peace on the Kenya-Somalia border is vital to regional stability.
Mr Faki’s comments came as Mogadishu insisted it had confirmed that weapons from Kenya had been used in the fight, although it did not immediately provide evidence to the claims.
Kenya on Monday to the AU, raising security concerns after Somalia’s federal and regional forces renewed fighting at Bula-Hawo in Gedo near Mandera County.
A statement from Kenya Ministry of Foreign affairs said that Kenya is concerned that if the fighting continues unabated, the situation could further destabilise the region, complicate the security situation and reverse the gains made in the fight against terrorism.
