Al-Shabaab militants have now waded into politics surrounding Indian Ocean maritime border dispute between Kenya and Somalia, a move that could further complicates matters.
In an audio released on Thursday, Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Umar also claimed responsibility in a deadly attack that left 27 people dead in Kismayo.
Mr Umar, whose whereabouts still remain unknown, accused Kenya of forceful occupation, adding that the anticipated ruling by International Court of Justice will not change the group's decision.
"Al-Shabaab has released a new audio message from its leader Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah; the audio appears to be very recent. In the 20:39 minute long audio, Abu Ubaidah refers to the July attacks by the group in Kismayo and the explosion at Mogadishu Mayor’s office," VOA journalist Harun Maruf said.
"Alshabaab leader Ahmed Abu Ubaidah accuses Kenya of "attempting to occupy" Somali waters saying the group will not accept a verdict by ICJ over the maritime dispute. In an audio released on Thursday, Ubaidah made references to the Mayor Office and Kismayo hotel attacks," Somalia's Radio Dalsan confirmed.
Kenya and Somalia are rocked in Indian Ocean maritime border row, which is currently under the ICJ. The court will listen to submissions from both sides in November.
Nairobi had moved to African Union with a proposal asking the body to intervene and prevail upon Somalia to withdraw the case. However, AU ruled out the move in early September.
“...the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, will hold public hearings in the case concerning Maritime Delimitation in the Indian Ocean (Somalia vs Kenya), from Monday 4 to Friday 8 November 2019 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court.”
Early this month, the Court had agreed to reschedule the sessions after Kenya asked for time to recruit a new legal defence team.
“The hearings in this case have been rescheduled further to the request made by the Republic of Kenya on 3 September 2019 and taking into account the views expressed by the Federal Republic of Somalia on that request,” ICJ added.
Kenya accuses Somalia of auctioning oil deposits along the Indian Ocean maritime border. The two countries at one point had respective ambassadors withdrawn.
Also, Somalia accuses Kenya Defense Forces of imposing Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, following a controversial election in August. Kenya closely works with the former Ras Kamboni Brigade commander.