In a recent report on Thursday, Qatar has successfully mediated the restoration of diplomatic relations between Somalia and Kenya.
This was made possible on Thursday as President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya officially met with Dr Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, Qatar’s envoy for Counterterrorism and Mediation of Conflict Resolution. Prior to the meeting, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, Qatar’s ruler, and Mohammed Farmajo, the president of Somalia, have been dialoguing on phone.
As of 15 December last year, Somalia accused Nairobi, Kenya, of interfering in its internal affairs. As a result, they cut ties with Kenya.
“The two governments agree to keep friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence,” as reported by the Somalia National News Agency.
The report went further:
“The Presidents of both countries are grateful and thankful to the Emir of State of Qatar for his good offices in this regard.”
Qatar In The Middle
Since May 1 after being dispatched by Doha, Al-Qahtani has been in the region standing as the middle-man in putting an end to Somalia’s crisis made worse as a result of disagreement over elections.
He spoke with the Somali Prime Minister, Mohammed Husein Roble. Moving ahead to Hargesia, he then had talks with Somaliland President, Muse Bihi.
Though Nairobi, Kenya, was accused of interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs, but later came forward to boldly deny the accusation.
However on another hand, according to the government of Somalia, its southern neighbor is giving support to Ahmed Madobe, the Jubbaland state governor who is considered as an enemy of President Mohammed Farmajo. The neighboring countries are feuding over a maritime boundary, a case that is currently being disputed in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
By Elijah Christopher
Elijah Christopher is a journalist at A New Touch Of Africa, is also a creative writer, a poet, and an IT enthusiast. He contributed to the collaborative poem written in celebration of Edwin Morgan Centenary, the first Glasgow poet laureate and Scottish national poet from the University of Glasgow. He loves meeting people and learning about new places, cultures, events, and lifestyles.
