Djibouti (SD) – The African Union Commission has called on Somalia and Kenya to resolve diplomatic row amid military tension at the border between the countries.

Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat stated that the two countries shared a long history of good neighborliness saying the escalating diplomatic tension would create security vacuum in the region.

He noted Kenya’s contribution of troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) and its hosting of a large population of Somali refugees as key reference points.

The leader urged both countries to de-escalate diplomatic feud and heed the call by the regional blocs.

Leaders of Somalia and Kenya, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday met in Djibouti for the first time since Somalia cut diplomatic ties with Kenya.

The two leaders alongside host president Omar Guelleh and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held a closed-door meeting to discuss the tension in the sidelines of the IGAD regional summit.

No communique has yet been issued as the talks is ongoing.