Somalia’s immigration and citizenship authority now requires Kenyan nationals travelling to the country to obtain visas prior to arrival. Meanwhile, diplomatic passport holders must obtain approval from Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Africa News reports that the directive takes effect on December 13.

This is the latest development in a rapidly escalating diplomatic spat between the two East African countries. Mogadishu has accused Kenya of undue “interference” in its internal affairs, with Kenya having dismissed the accusations as false.

According to Africa News, Somalia’s President, Mohammed Abdullahi Farmaajo, had recalled his envoy to Nairobi on November 29, simultaneously having ordered Kenya’s envoy to Somalia, Lucas Tumbo, to return to Nairobi.

The dispute centres around the reportedly dissident governor of Jubbaland state in Somalia, Ahmed Mohamed Islam, better known as Sheikh Madobe. Mogadishu has accused Madobe of defaulting on an agreement in September to hold senatorial elections in December. It blames Kenya for having influenced him. Madobe has demanded the withdrawal of federal government troops from Gedo, a town in Jubbaland state. According to Africa News, he has a close relationship with Nairobi, despite president Farmaajo’s being opposed to this.

Further, Somalia has rejected Kenya’s request to have a maritime dispute between the two neighboring countries settled out of the International Court of Justice. Passenger flights from Kenya have also been barred by Mogadishu, with the coronavirus pandemic being cited, while in a blow to Kenya’s farmers, khat exports have also banned.

Umm Muhammed Umar