MOGADISHU— The Somali government has categorically rejected recent claims made by the Kenyan President concerning the existence of talks between the two nations regarding the longstanding maritime dispute.
In October 2021, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest U.N. judicial body, issued a ruling that significantly favoured Somalia in its longstanding disagreement with Kenya. The dispute centered on establishing a sea boundary in a section of the Indian Ocean known to hold substantial reserves of oil and gas.
Somalia hailed the ICJ’s decision as a triumph resulting from its unwavering dedication and determination as a nation in the Horn of Africa.
The newly demarcated boundary set by the ICJ that ended the long-running dispute closely resembled a line previously suggested by Somalia, leading to the allocation of several offshore oil blocks that Kenya had also laid claim to.
However, the Kenyan President William Ruto had recently claimed that negotiations were underway, with mediation by Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh.
In response to President Ruto’s statement, Somali government denied any ongoing talks with Kenya over the disputed maritime border.
“There are no negotiations taking place between Somalia and Kenya. The maritime dispute matter was settled in the court and its irreversible.” Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar said during a parliamentary grilling on Saturday. “That case is closed and settled for good.”
This latest development has further complicated the already strained relations between the two East African nations, as they seemingly continue to contest the ownership of a significant maritime territory believed to contain valuable natural resources.
But, The role of the Djibouti President Ismael Omar Guelleh has also come under scrutiny, with analysts believe that he may be using the maritime dispute as a bargaining chip in his diplomatic engagements with regional and global leaders.
Despite the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling that effectively resolved the maritime dispute between Somalia and Kenya, concerns have arisen in Somalia about the true intentions of President Guelleh. There are reports indicating that President Guelleh is actively advocating for renewed talks and negotiations between the two countries over the case.
Experts argue that President Guelleh may be leveraging the dispute to bolster his diplomatic standing in international circles.
Guelleh is believed to have significant influence over the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with the two men’s deepening ties have raised eyebrows in Somalia. It remains unclear if this will have influence over Somalia’s decisions especially with regards to the maritime case.
The maritime dispute between Somalia and Kenya has a long history, and the contested area lies in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa, is of significant economic and strategic importance to both countries.
The Kenyan government is yet to respond to Somalia’s denial of talks.
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