This archive report was first published on 16 June 2021.
Kenya has agreed to reopen its embassy in Somalia, following an invitation by the Somali government. Diplomats from both countries are now free to return to their duty stations.
On June 15, 2021, Kenya's Foreign Affairs ministry sent a note to Mogadishu, stating that the country was prepared to reopen its embassy in Somalia. The note also asked Somalia to reopen its mission in Nairobi, which was closed in December 2020.
Kenya's decision comes after a week of climb-downs from both sides. On June 10, 2021, Kenya reopened its airspace to Somalia flights, while Mogadishu said two days later that there was nothing more preventing the two sides from resuming full diplomatic relations.
On June 12, 2021, Somalia sent a note to Nairobi, stating that it had 'normalised' relations with Kenya, bringing to an end six months of diplomatic bickering between the countries.
Kenya's Ambassador to Somalia, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Lucas Tumbo, and Somalia's Mohamud Nur Tarzan can now resume their duties, if the governments retain them.
The two countries had been at loggerheads since December 15, 2020, when Mogadishu abruptly cut ties, blaming Kenya for what it called 'constant interference' in Somalia's internal affairs.
Kenya rejected the claims and a team formed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) to investigate the matter returned a 'no guilty' verdict, which Somalia rejected.
With resumed ties, Kenya indicated that the two sides should resume trade, travel, and other bilateral issues. There are pending items between them, including the maritime dispute, which is awaiting a final verdict at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Although ICJ's decision cannot be appealed, the feeling in Nairobi, even before the case proceeded, was that the maritime issue should be resolved through dialogue, rather than the courts.
Kenya and Somalia must also complete discussions on trade issues, including Somalia's ban on Kenyan miraa, Kenya's request to have Kenya Airways flights to Mogadishu and Hargeisa, and the enduring issue of refugees at Dadaab camp.
