Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Mohamed Abdirizak Mohamud elaborated on why the Somali government has cut ties with Kenya.
Minister Mohamed Abdirizak said Kenya had committed many violations of Somalia’s sovereignty, after complaining to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), saying Kenya had shown it was not ready for talks with Somalia.
“When we summoned our ambassador to Nairobi, we took diplomatic steps, including contacting IGAD and the AU, but Kenya did not take any steps to open a dialogue with Somalia,” he said.
“Kenya is our neighbor and we would like to have a relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation, but Kenya has not been able to do that,” he said.
Speaking to VOA, the minister was asked about Somalia’s grievances against Kenya, and said that there were many abuses committed by Kenya, which are historically documented by the Somali government.
“These are the issues we want to bring to Kenya,” said Minister Mohamed Abdirizak.
He said the Somali government strongly opposes the invitation of Somaliland President Muse Bihi to Nairobi, and that his retaliation against Somalia is part of that move.
“This is part of our opposition to the intervention we are talking about. Kenya would have recognized Somaliland if it had violated the laws and conventions of African countries today, but it has come close to exaggerating. “The reception of Muse Bihi is an indication of how our country is being attacked, and there is no denying that another Somali region will respect Kenya in this way,” said the Somali foreign minister.
