Kenya's relationship with Somalia may have hit a bottom low in recent weeks but the effects of the hot and could romance could be better explained in behind scenes wrangles, it has emerged.
In an explosive letter dated March 25th this year, Foreign Affairs Ministry wrote to Somalia about Sh3.5 billion security wall that had been constructed across the border, warning the Horn of Africa nation over continued interference.
“Any continued obstruction or destruction of the fence shall be responded to forcefully,” stated the letter signed by Kenya’s foreign ministry and delivered by Kenya’s mission in Mogadishu to Somalia’s ministry of foreign affairs on May 25 as quoted by the Standard.
“Kenya is assessing the cost of damage caused by Somali citizens with a view of demanding compensation,” stated the two-page letter seen by The Standard.
According to Nairobi, Somalia government has been using women and children to frustrate the construction with repeated destruction often reported.
“When Kenya suspended the construction of the fence for two weeks in 2017, it exhibited the highest level of patience, good faith, friendship and good neighbourliness.
“It is Kenya’s expectation that Somalia will reciprocate by taking appropriate action to ensure that Kenya’s border security is not obstructed or in any way inhibited by the actions of its citizens,” stated the letter.
But in a rejoinder in a letter dated March 29th, Mogadishu denied the claims, arguing that there is no evidence to back such allegations by the Kenyan government.
“The government of Somalia categorically rejects the allegation that it is in any way involved in the alleged conduct described in the aforementioned Note Verbale,” said Somalia in response to Kenya’s letter.
“The government of Somalia is, moreover, not aware of any and does not have any evidence of any damage caused by its citizens to the wall/fence. Should the Government of Kenya wish to share relevant information with the government of Somalia, the latter would be happy to give it appropriate consideration,” wrote Somalia.
And Somalia was also quick to drag maritime boundary along Indian Ocean in which the two nations have moved to International Court of Justice. The boundary is rich in oil deposits.
“The government of Somalia assures the Government of Kenya of its respect for the territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya and trusts that the Government of Kenya equally respects the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” wrote Somalia in a letter dated May 29.