Some of the points of discussion between the two leaders would undoubtedly focus on the efforts to find a peaceful solution to the political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is set to meet with his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, in Nairobi on Thursday, as confirmed by Kenyan officials to The Eastleigh Voice.
President Ruto has been quietly engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the brewing dispute between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa over the latter’s attempts to gain access to the sea through the breakaway Somaliland administration.
This meeting follows Somalia’s recent expulsion of Ethiopia’s ambassador in Mogadishu and the directive to shut down two consulates, one in the semi-autonomous Puntland region and the other in the breakaway Somaliland region, amid a disagreement over a port agreement.
“The plain interference of Ethiopia’s government in the internal affairs of Somalia is a violation of the independence and sovereignty of Somalia,” said the office of Somalia’s prime minister in a statement last Thursday.
Some of the points of discussion between the two leaders would undoubtedly focus on the efforts to find a peaceful solution to the political tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
There are as yet unconfirmed reports that Ethiopia has been persuaded to reconsider its position on recognising the breakaway region.
In recent times, Nairobi has committed to recognising, respecting, and protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, including Somalia.
Kenya’s desire, according to officials was to ensure the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia does not boil over.
“It is our responsibility to support our brothers to resolve their differences,” a senior Kenyan Foreign Ministry official spoke to The Eastleigh Voice anonymously.
Another pressing topic for discussion is the continued efforts in combating Al-Shabaab and the future role of the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) contingent in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which is scheduled to conclude by December 2024.
During the meeting, President Ruto may address the issue of Kenya’s candidacy for the African Union Commission’s top job, with opposition leader Raila Odinga being Nairobi’s nominee.
However, Somalia has already put forth its candidate, former Foreign Minister Fawzia Yussuf, and remains steadfast in its support.
Discussions may revolve around the complex topic of Somaliland, particularly in light of Raila Odinga’s public stance supporting Somaliland’s right to independence and recognition as a sovereign state.
These murmurs have gained renewed attention following Raila Odinga’s declaration of candidacy.
Eastleighvoice.co.ke
