Somalia recalls Ambassador to Kenya and orders Kenyan Ambassador to exit the country

Three leaders involved in firing of diplomats on November 29, 2020. L-R, Somalian president,
Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta and Ethiopian
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali(Photo credit: courtesy image/file)

Nov 29, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — In a political turmoil over the electoral process and foreign interference, the Republic of Somalia has recalled its ambassador to Kenya and orders the Kenyan ambassador in Mogadishu to leave the country with immediate effect for further consultations.

“The Federal Government of Somalia notes the Kenyan government’s attempt to infringe upon the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia and hereby expresses its deep regret with the Kenyan government’s continuous interference in the internal and political affairs of Somalia” Reads part of a press release extended to Nyamilepedia

“Therefore, the Federal Government of Somalia summons its Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya and instructs the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Somalia to depart to Kenya for consultations” It added

Speaking on the national television in Mogadishu on Sunday, the Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Amb. Mohamed Ali Nur, confirmed that Somalia has recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Amb. Mohamud Ahmed Nur ‘Tarzan’ and at the same time ordered the Kenyan ambassador to Somalia, Amb. Lucas Tumbo to exit the country until further notice.

Somalian ambassador to Kenya, Amb. Mohamud Ahmed Nur ‘Tarzan’(left)
and the Kenyan ambassador to Somalia, Amb. Lucas Tumbo(Photo credit: supplied)

The controversial decision came after Somalia accused Kenya of having interfered in its electoral process.

 “Somalia expresses its regret in the government of Kenya’s overt and blatant interference in the internal and political affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia which has the potential to be a hindrance to the stability, security and development of the entire region,” Mr Nur claimed.

Tensions between Somalia’s federal government and its member states have dominated the run-up to the parliamentary and presidential elections, which are slated for December 2020 and February 2021, respectively.

The Federal Government of Somalia accused Kenya of putting political pressure on the Jubaland State president and former leader of the Al-Shabaab, Mohamed Ahmed Madobe, to boycott electoral deal reached by the federal and regional governments last month, October, that allows the upcoming December 2020 and February 2021 elections.

“In recent weeks, it has become apparent to the Federal Government of Somalia that the Kenyan government is placing great political pressure on the regional President of Jubaland, Mr Ahmed Mohamed Islan Madobe in order to pursue its political and economic interests in Somalia.” Read part of the statement seen by Nyamilepedia.

The new tension came at a time the two countries were normalizing political relations and trying to forget past grudges.

The two countries expelled each other’s ambassador less than 2 years ago but since 2018 Kenya reopened and reconstruct its old embassy in Mogadishu following years of political turmoil and fighting between the two countries.

Source:nyamile.com/