NEW YORK (Halbeeg News) – The United Nations has called for a de-escalation of the diplomatic rift between Somalia and Kenya barely two days after Kenya denied entry visas to Somali officials from Mogadishu.
Kenya has exerted pressure on the Somali government to rescind its decision to allow the International Court of Justice to settle a maritime dispute between the two countries.
In a statement, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General For Somalia, Raisedon Zenenga expressed concern over the escalating diplomatic dispute between the sides.
He said the positive dynamics in the Horn of Africa region hold great opportunities for Somalia to realize its strategic and economic potential.
“The ongoing deterioration of relations between Somalia and Kenya, emanating from the maritime boundary dispute, is worrying,” he said.
He noted that the diplomatic row has implications for ‘Somalia’s state-building and peacebuilding efforts.
Zenenga has called for negotiation talks to ease the situation.
He underscored that the talks to spearhead by Intergovernmental Authority Development (IGAD) to be crucial for de-escalating the situation.
“Dialogue, not only between Kenya and Somalia but also with other IGAD Member States, is essential to lower tensions and address the fundamental issues that have created the continuing tensions,” he said.
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