MOGADISHU – Somalia announced on Thursday the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Kenya after a Qatar mediation initiative, state media reported.
Somalia cut ties with Kenya on December 15, 2020 on allegations that Nairobi was meddling into its internal affairs.
“The two governments agree to keep friendly relations 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,” reported the Somalia National News Agency.
“The Presidents of both countries are grateful and thankful to the Emir of State of Qatar for his good offices in this regard,” it added.
On Thursday, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta met with Qatar’s envoy for Counterterrorism and Mediation of Conflict Resolution Dr Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, Kenya’s presidency said on Twitter.
On Monday, Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim Al Thani held phone talks with Somali President Mohammed Farmajo.
Qahtani has been in the region since May 1. He was dispatched by Doha to help mediate Somalia’s crisis, which had been worsened by a disagreement over elections.
He met with Somaliland President Muse Bihi in Hargeisa before holding talks with Somali Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble.
Mogadishu has accused Nairobi of interfering in its internal affairs, a charge the later denies.
Somalia has said its southern neighbour is backing Jubbaland state governor Ahmed Madobe, a key foe of President Farmajo.
The two countries are also feuding over a maritime boundary; which dispute is before the International Court of Justice – ICJ.
