This archive report was first published on 25 September 2019.
Kenya and Somalia have taken a crucial step towards normalizing relations, with their presidents agreeing to work towards a better future. The development comes after a meeting between President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and President Mohamed Farmaajo of Somalia in New York, facilitated by Egyptian President Abdelfattah al-Sisi.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, was arranged after Kenya requested out-of-court negotiations through the African Union over the maritime boundary dispute. Somalia had sued Kenya at the International Court of Justice, seeking to redraw the sea boundary.
According to Mohamed Abdinur, President Farmaajo's spokesman, Somalia and Kenya have agreed to work towards normalizing relations without any implications for the maritime case at the ICJ. He stated, 'Somalia welcomes the opportunity to work towards normalizing relations with Kenya, as neighbours and partners, for a better common future.'
However, the two countries fell short of a deal on the simmering maritime dispute, which has recently generated tit-for-tat moves restricting direct flights and issuance of visas at ports of entry. Regional experts have warned that further deterioration of relations could allow al-Shabaab militants to thrive, as the two countries collaborate on counter-terrorism measures.
Kenya had earlier warned that the decision of the ICJ, which is binding on both sides, could offer little room for a win-win solution and may sow further political differences. Somalia has stuck to its guns on pursuing the court case, reportedly saying there would be no discussion on the dispute until the case is concluded.
