Kenya-Somalia Ties after UN Court Decision

 The International Crisis Group (ICG) published on 15 October 2021 an analysis titled "UN Court Decision a Fresh Test for Kenya-Somalia Ties" by Meron Elias.

An ICG expert discusses the potential impact on Kenya-Somalia relations of the recent International Court of Justice decision that upheld Somalia's claims of a long-running maritime border dispute between the two countries.  

Somalia Prevails over Kenya in Maritime Dispute

 The Washington Post published on 12 October 2021 an article titled "U.N. Court Rules in Favor of Somalia over Kenya in Long-running Maritime Dispute" by Rael Ombuor and Rachel Chason.  

The International Court of Justice ruled this week that Somalia, not Kenya, should control most of the triangle of water in the Indian Ocean over which Kenya has maintained sovereignty since 1979.  The maritime zone is believed to contain oil and gas and is important for fishing.  

Qatar Working to Reassert Itself in Horn of Africa

 The Stimson Center posted on 19 May 2021 a commentary titled "Qatar and Somalia-Kenya Relations: Projection of Mediation Power in the Horn of Africa" by Desiree Custers.

Qatar played a key role in the recent brokering of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Somalia.  Qatar is clearly trying to reassert itself in the Horn of Africa following setbacks at the hands of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.  

Kenya-Somalia Ties Can Be Restored

 Aljazeera published on 11 January 2021 a commentary titled "Somalia and Kenya Still Have a Road to Neighbourly Cooperation" by Abdimalik Abdullahi.  

Last December, Somalia broke diplomatic relations with Kenya "for meddling in its affairs."  The author summarizes the conflicts between Kenya and Somalia, and then argues the two countries can and should begin to take steps to resolve them.  

Kenya and Somalia Maritime Dispute

Ventures Africa posted on 8 August 2019 an article titled "Kenya Is Employing Diplomatic Strategy in Maritime Dispute with Somalia" by Ajifowoke Michael Gbenga.

Kenya and Somalia are waiting for the commencement of hearings on 19 September concerning the Indian Ocean maritime border case filed by Somalia at the International Court of Justice. In the meantime, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has embarked on a diplomatic charm offensive in Africa, Europe and the Middle East to drum up support for Kenya's position in the dispute.

The Kenya-Somalia Maritime Dispute

Lawfare posted on 15 May 2019 a commentary titled "The Kenya-Somalia Maritime Dispute and Its Potential National Security Costs" by Emmah Wabuke, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.

Somalia auctioned oil and gas blocks in an Indian Ocean maritime territorial area claimed by Kenya. This led to an immediate crisis in Kenya-Somalia relations. The matter is now before the International Court of Justice.

Kenya and Somalia Dispute Maritime Boundary

Germany's Deutsche Welle published on 19 September 2016 a story titled "Kenya or Somalia: Who Owns the Sea and What Lies Beneath?"

It concerns the maritime boundary between Kenya and Somalia that extends into the Indian Ocean. The claims of the two countries are significantly different. The International Court of Justice in The Hague wants to hear both sides and will then decide whether it will initiate proceedings.