EU calls for security meeting over Kenya-Somalia tensions



The European Union has asked Kenya and Ethiopia to organise a security summit on cross-border cooperation following tensions on the Kenya-Somalia border.

Mandera County in Kenya, which is near the border, has been tense for more than a week now following clashes between Jubbaland forces and those loyal to the Federal Government of Somalia.

The fighting began after Somalia accused Nairobi of harbouring fugitive Jubbaland Security Minister Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur.

The EU further noted that the fighting has fuelled tension and diverted assets and attention from military operations against Al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower and Middle Shabelle, thus jeopardising efforts for stability in Somalia.

It also said that fighting has also been detrimental to Somalia’s relationships with its neighbours and partners, hence the need for President Farmaajo, federal states in that country and regional partners to fully cooperate and ensure and end to violence.

“Lasting solutions must be found to safeguard ongoing efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab, build-up integrated Somali security forces and create a secure and enabling environment for state-building and development."

Further, all parties involved were asked to do everything possible to reduce tensions, exercise restraint, respect the integrity of sovereign borders and seek peaceful resolution of their differences.

“The European Union underlines the importance of stability and good cooperation among Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia in their common border area where they have shared interests,” the council added.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) was asked to facilitate a meeting of the neighbouring countries as an urgent discussion on the state of implementation of agreed joint priorities in the political and security sphere is needed.

“This discussion is an important element to continue to strengthen effective cooperation between Somalia and its international partners in the spirit of mutual accountability and partnership,” the EU said.

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