Hiiraan Online
Saturday November 14, 2015
MOGADISHU (HOL) – Somalia’s government has accused Kenya of
plotting to scrub out the border marker that identifies the two countries’
respective borderlines under pretext of building a separation wall to prevent
terrorists from crossing into Kenya.
In statement from Somalia’s cabinet on Thursday, the government said that it were not consulted about the wall which being built along the borderline, raising suspicions of a secret scheme by Kenya.
“We shall talk to the government of Kenya about the reports that it’s obliterating border markers.” said Abdirahman Odawa, Somalia’s interior minister.
“But in the meantime, we demand an explanation from Kenya on the developments.” He said.
Last year, Somalia’s government has taken Kenya to the ICC to end the border dispute, saying the dispute risks deterring multinational oil companies from offshore oil and gas exploration.
However, the Kenyan Attorney General has reiterated his country’s willingness to bring the stalemate to an end, saying that Kenya has submitted its Preliminary objection against Somalia.
“Kenya’s contention is that Somalia’s case falls outside the jurisdiction of the Court and is inadmissible because it is contrary to Somalia’s international obligations”. Mr. Muigai said last month.
However, Somalia insisted on court settlements to end the dispute.
Earlier this year, Kenya has identified eight new offshore exploration blocks available for licensing, and all but one of them are located in the contested area, but Somalia insisted that Kenya’s target area is within their maritime boundary.