Somalia Reinstates Diplomatic Relations with Kenya Following Qatar's Intervention

The Federal Government of Somalia has reinstated diplomatic ties with Kenya after five months.

Somalia cut off the relations last December, accusing Kenya of meddling in its internal and political affairs, as well as violation of her territorial integrity. 

As a result, Somalia recalled all its diplomats back to Mogadishu and ordered all Kenyan diplomatic officials to leave the country within 7 days.

Somalia had earlier expelled Kenyan Ambassador to Mogadishu Lucas Tumbo over allegations that Kenya was interfering with the country’s looming elections.

Through a statement on Thursday, Somalia’s Information Ministry said the diplomatic ties have been restored following an intervention by Qatar.

“The Federal Government of Somalia, announces that in keeping with the interests of good neighborliness, it has resumed diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kenya,” read the statement.

The ministry pointed out that the two nations agreed to maintain friendly relations guided by principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. 

“The Presidents of both countries are grateful and thankful to the Emir of State of Qatar for his good offices in this regard,” the statement adds.

On Thursday, President Kenyatta received a special message from the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

“The Amir’s message was delivered to the President by Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, who is the Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar for Counterterrorism and Mediation of Conflict Resolution,” State House said in a statement.

Kenya is yet to issue a statement on the resumption of ties with Somalia.