Somalia Restores Diplomatic Ties With Kenya, Deal Brokered by Qatar

The Federal Republic of Somalia and Kenya on Thursday agreed to restore full diplomatic relations in a deal brokered by Qatar.

Abdirashid M Hashi, the spokesman for Somalia’s President Mohamed Farmaajo, said Qatar had steered the resumption of relations.

In a communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations, Somalia  Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said ” The Government of the Republic of Kenya welcomes this gesture with the interests of good neighbourliness.”

“The two governments agree to keep friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of principles of mutual respect to sovereign and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other internal affairs, equality, mutual benefits and peaceful coexistence.”

“Somalia and Kenya Presidents thank [the] Emir of Qatar for his good offices in this regard.”

Somalia had cut ties with Kenya in December 2020 and ordered its ambassador, Mohamed Nur Tarsan, to return home and Kenya’s Lucas Tumbo ordered back to Nairobi. Mogadishu accused Nairobi of political interference, claims Kenya denied.

In response, Kenya said it has taken note of Somalia’s announcement to restore ties with Kenya and hoped there will be further normalisation including on issues of trade.

“In taking note of these developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs looks forward to furthering normalisation of relations by the Somali authorities including with regard to trade, communication, transportation, people to people relations and cultural exchanges,” a statement said.

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