Kenya and Somalia have committed to strengthening collaboration on immigration, consular services, and cross-border movement after recent diplomatic strains involving the denial of entry to Somali officials in Kenya.
The agreement emerged from discussions between Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali Dhaay and Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during the 49th African Union Executive Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Background of the Diplomatic Strains
Tensions escalated after Somalia’s State Minister at the Presidency, Abshir Bukhaari, was refused entry at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and deported back to Mogadishu. Kenyan immigration officials reportedly questioned the validity of his Kenyan passport before denying him access. Bukhaari previously served as the First Deputy Speaker of Somalia’s Senate.
This incident followed a similar case involving Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji, who was reportedly barred from entering Kenya over allegations of improper possession of a Kenyan passport. Neither government has publicly clarified the reasons behind these actions.
Commitment to Improved Bilateral Relations
Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali emphasized that the talks focused on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing immigration and regional security challenges. The two countries share robust political, economic, and security ties, making the smooth movement of officials and citizens vital.
Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation to prevent future misunderstandings and facilitate cross-border movement, thereby supporting their ongoing collaboration in trade, security, and combating cross-border crime.
