Somalia accuses Kenya of political and security interference

Somalia accuses Kenya of “political and security interference”, says the move is “regrettable” and not helpful for the relations. Statement by Somalia suggests that Kenya is using contingent in AMISOM mission to “interfere domestic politics and destabilize security” of Somalia.

Kenya has long supported the creation of Jubaland, a region it considers a secure buffer state as it pushes back against Al-Shabaab. However, Mogadishu is now publicly accusing Nairobi of interfering in its internal matters, on the political and security fronts.

In a press statement from Somalia’s ministry of information and tourism, Mogadishu says it is upon the two central governments to have bilateral agreements and won’t allow Kenya to have direct relations with Kismayu.

The relationship between Kenya and Somalia has not been good, the two countries have a dispute on territorial water boundaries which is now the internal court of justice.

In the last Jubaland’s presidential election, Kenya directly supported incumbent Ahmed Madobe who later emerged the winner of the elections, which does have the blessings of the federal government of Somalia.

Somalia’s statement through its ministry of information and tourism urges Kenya to respect the international rule of law and not to use its influence at the Africa Union Mission in Somalia to influence and interfere with domestic politics and destabilize security” of Somalia.

Nairobi had been accused of having plans to set up a semi-autonomous region, Jubaland. A puppet government would then be used to control resources and facilities, starting with Kismayo, a port used by smuggling networks with Kenyan links.