Dial down tensions, AU, IGAD urge Kenya, Somalia
GOOBJOOG NEWS|DJIBOUTI: The African Union and the regional body IGAD have called for talks between Kenya and Somalia to resolve ongoing diplomatic battles that have seen a secession of relations.
The AU and IGAD leaders speaking during the 38th ExtraOrdinary Summit noted the need for the two countries to dial down tension and give room for dialogue.
“The recent tensions between Somalia and Kenya, two neighbouring countries, which led to the breakdown of diplomatic relations, remain a serious concern for the African Union,” AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki said in his opening remarks.
“I would, therefore, like to call on the two parties to open dialogue with a view to the resumption of these relations, and ask IGAD to strongly encourage them in this regard.”
IGAD chairman Abdalla Hamdok who is also the Prime Minister of Sudan urged dialogue between the two leaders noting the initial meeting between presidents Mohamed Farmaajo and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta was a welcome starting point.
“It is also my duty as IGAD Chair to emphasize that conversations at the closed sessions today remain bound by the principles of IGAD, which include the sovereign equality of all member states, non-interference in internal affairs of member states,” Hamdok said.
Both Kenyatta and Farmaajo met in a closed-door meeting at the sidelines of the IGAD summit for the first time since the onset of the diplomat spat last month. Somalia has since cut ties with Kenya, recalled all its diplomats and kicked out Kenyan diplomats.
There was however no final communique from the meeting which ended Sunday evening.