Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed facilitated a high-level meeting between Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed to address escalating maritime boundary tensions. The talks marked the first in-person discussion between the two leaders since the dispute intensified last month.
The Ethiopian leader, serving as chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), reportedly held separate consultations with both leaders during Somali President Mohamed's visit to Addis Ababa. The meeting aimed to resolve conflicts over a 100,000-square-kilometer maritime zone contested by both nations.
Kenya has accused Somalia of unlawfully auctioning oil and gas exploration blocks in the disputed area, prompting diplomatic reprisals including the recall of Somali and Kenyan ambassadors. Nairobi maintains the boundary follows a parallel line of latitude, citing prior licensing of exploration activities in the region.
The International Court of Justice in The Hague has been handling the dispute since Somalia filed a petition in 2014. While Kenya's office has not yet issued a statement on the recent talks, both leaders reportedly committed to collaborative measures to de-escalate tensions.
