AU calls on Somalia, Kenya to resolve their dispute amicably

[Deeq A.]

The African Union has called on Kenya and Somalia to resolve their disputes amicably and urged restraint following close to a month-long row.

The AU Commission chairperson Fousa Mahamat in a statement Saturday urged the two countries to exercise restraint and give room for dialogue.

“The Chairperson of the Commission appeals to all stakeholders to exercise calm and utmost restraint, and encourages the two countries to resolve their differences through dialogue,” the statement read in part.

Mahamat’s remarks come amid tension in the border town of Mandera despite talks between Presidents Mohamed Farmaajo and Uhuru Kenyatta Wednesday.

Mandera Governor Ali Roba warned of escalating tension in the border town Friday noting Jubbaland soldiers were still roaming freely in the town.

A statement released by Villa Somalia Thursday noted the leaders of the two countries had spoken on phone Wednesday night and resolved to handle the border issues. It added the leaders agreed to form a joint commission to address the disputes.

Both Kenya and Somalia have traded accusations in the last two weeks. Somalia pointed fingers at Kenya over what it termed as intrusion and encroachment but Kenya dismissed the claims and later warned Somalia of ‘provocation’.

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