Relationship between Kenya and Somalia on Sunday hit another bottom low following claims that KDF destroyed a mast to the country's largest telecommunication company.
Hormuud Telcom on Saturday issued a statement, blaming Kenyan troops for destruction of the mast, located in Gedo region within Jubbaland.
"For the 12th time this year, KDF has detonated our masts in Aws-Karun at Gedo region of Jubbaland. The attack took place on August 22nd. The troops used powerful machines to destroy the equipment.
"In an earlier attack, the KDF troops killed one of our staff and injured others. These unlawful acts by KDF amounts to war crimes and will turnish the effort of international community to stabilise Somalia," the company said in a statement.
So serious was the incident that even a US congresswoman, IIhan Omar, who has roots in Somalia, has called for answers and even recommended retribution against Kenya.
"Finally, the destruction of vital infrastructure is harmful not only to the Somali/Kenya relationship, but to future investment in Somalia’s economy. I urge the Somali government to continue to seek answers and retribution," she said in a tweet.
Minister Eng Abdi Anshur Hassan said the attack has seriously damaged the premises and the equipment of the Hormuud company headquarters in Dawn, affecting the business and lives of the Somali people in Gedo region.
The ICT minister projected KDF and to a larger extent Kenya as an enemy, who is out to destroy the country's economy which has struggled for decades since 1990.
“We urge AMISOM to engage with the Somali government in the investigation of these repeated attacks and believe it is important to take appropriate action against this adversary who targets our economy and business per international law,” the Minister of Taxation said.
Last week, Somalia denounced request by African Union to solve Indian Ocean maritime dispute with Kenya through dialogue, insisting that Kenya had threatened to deploy KDF soldiers.
The two nations will argue their case at International Court of Justice in September. Also, Modadishu accused Nairobi of rigging in Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe in last week's polls.