MOGADISHU (SD) – Somalia has restored diplomatic ties with Kenya, following mediation by Qatar.

In a statement, Somalia noted that Qatar had helped in the process to normalize the relations,

“The two governments have agreed to safeguard the friendly relations between the two countries based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in the internal affairs of the two countries, equality, cooperation and peaceful co-existence, Information ministry said. “The Presidents of the two countries thanked the Emir of Qatar for his efforts in this regard.”

Announcement comes few hours after Qatar’s envoy to Somalia, Mutlaq Al-Qahtani held talks with Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi.

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.

Both Somalia and Kenya are contesting ownership of a triangular territory measuring 100,000km2 in the Indian Ocean boundary.

Somalia went to International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2014 following what it termed as failure to settle the matter with her neighbour, Kenya bilaterally.

The court has concluded the hearing of the case and is expected announce its ruling in the forthcoming months.

The court verdict is final and not subject to appeal.