This archive report was first published on 8 October 2021.
On October 8, 2021, Kenya announced its withdrawal from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process in a maritime border dispute with Somalia, citing a 'flawed' judicial process.
The move was made by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau, who stated that Kenya had reservations with the ICJ process due to its 'obvious and inherent bias' and 'unsuitability' to resolve the dispute.
Kenya's decision to withdraw from the ICJ process will not affect the judgment of the court, as rules or reservations do not apply to ongoing cases.
The ICJ is set to announce its verdict on the maritime border dispute on October 12, 2021, which could alter the ocean territory for both countries if Somalia is ruled in favor.
The Court of 13 judges, including a Somali judge and presided over by American Joan Donoghue, will make its final verdict and issue instructions on what the two countries must do.
