In separate statements on Thursday 6 May, both Mogadishu and Nairobi confirmed that they would be restoring ties “in keeping with the interests of good neighbourliness”.
In interest of good neighborliness, FGS resumes Diplomatic ties with ?? based on mutual benefit & respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-external interference, peaceful co-existence & equality. ??&?? Presidents thnk Emir of Qatar for his good offices in this regard.
— Abdirashid M. Hashi (@MrDuqa) May 6, 2021
Tit for tat
In 2019, Kenya recalled its ambassador to Somalia after the latter started the process to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime zone.
Nairobi accused Mogadishu of “betrayal” over the maritime dispute, and “inciting hostility” to its citizens and troops in the country.
Since then, Somalia has continuously pointed a finger to Nairobi on accusations of interference in its internal affairs. Its beef with Kenya culminated in December 2020 when it recalled its ambassador to Nairobi and expelled Kenya’s, in what was the culmination of a feud that has been growing for years.
Gulf involvement
But in the statements by both Kenya and Somalia, specifically thanked the Emir of Qatar, Tamim Al-Thani, for
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