Britain calls for dialogue in Kenya-Somalia maritime tussle

By John Kibet

NAIROBI: Britain has called on Kenya and Somalia to resolve the maritime border dispute amicably and called for the adoption of dialogue as a means to resolve the standoff.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriot who spoke during a meeting with Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto said that it was remarkable that President Uhuru Kenyatta met with his Somalia counterpart Mohammed Farmajo in the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York last week to explore ways of resolving the problem.

“Dialogue between Kenya and Somalia on how to solve the maritime dispute is important. This is why the step taken by President Kenyatta to meet with his Somalia counterpart during the United Nations General Assembly was impressive,” said Ms Marriot.

The High Commissioner, at the same time, assured Kenya that her country will share information on any possible security threat in the country before taking any action on travel advisories.

Ms Marriot was responding to the Deputy President who had asked the United Kingdom to consider sharing information on any possible security threats on their citizens instead of issuing travel advisories, saying the move was hurting the tourism sector.

She said terrorism had become a global challenge forcing the United Kingdom to issue travel advisories to its citizens in any part of the world including Kenya for their safety.

Ms Marriot, however, said Britain would work closely with Kenya and share information on any possible security threat before issuing travel advisories.

“We will always share any information with Kenya on possible security threats,” said Ms Marriot.

TERRORISM CHALLENGE

Mr. Ruto said Kenya would continue to work together with other nations including Britain in exploring ways of solving the problem of terrorism that has become a challenge across the globe.

He said Kenya was seeking the support of Britain to enhance its efforts in fighting terrorism caused by the Al-shabaab and promoting regional peace.

“I must say we have invaluable support from Britain in the fight against terrorism activities that are threatening peaceful coexistence not only among Kenyans and their neighbors but also in the globe,” said Ruto.