A fact-finding mission established by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has dismissed allegations from the Somalia government that Kenya was infringing on its sovereignty.
The Kenyan government lauded the report from the fact-finding mission on Wednesday.
According to the mission, the decision by the government of Somalia to sever diplomatic relations with Kenya was uncalled for and has negatively impacted the lives of Somali nationals who seek relief and amenities in Kenya.
Kenya said that it is now evident that the simulated crisis being contrived by Somalia does not advance IGAD’s vision for achieving peace, prosperity, and regional integration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the impartial report will settle the matter, adding that Kenya will not be drawn into “this reckless campaign whose sole intent remains the creation of artificial fissures for parochial and domestic political ends at the expense of regional peace and security.”
Kenya has also said it spared no cost to stabilise Somalia and create conditions for peace and prosperity and will remain its long-held commitment from which it will not be distracted.
“It is incumbent on the administrations to whom this hard-worn peace has been entrusted to, to honour the sacrifices made in the past and the will of the people by making a constructive contribution to regional peace, security, and prosperity.”
The team was established by president Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti under the mandate of the Assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government.
The team was formed during the 38th Extraordinary Assembly of IGAD Heads of State and Government held on December 20, 2020, in Djibouti.
The move was prompted by several allegations from Somalia that reiterated atypical allegations against Kenya causing the Assembly to call for a verification of these unsubstantiated allegations