Somalia Accuses Kenya of Hosting and Arming Militia to Attack its Army Bases

The Somali government has accused Kenya of hatching a plot destabilize the country.

In a statement on Saturday, Somalia’s Information Ministry claimed that Kenya was hosting a militia in Mandera and was arming it with an aim of staging an attack on its soil.

The ministry said the Somali government has received intelligence reports that Kenya was planning to attack Somali army bases in the border town of Beled-Hawo.

Somalia warned Kenya against such “aggression and illegal actions” that could undermine the region’s stability.

“The Federal Government of Somalia will take all necessary steps to ensure its political independence, territorial integrity, and protection of the dignity of the people,” the statement reads in part.

“It reiterates once again that the blatant interferences in the internal affairs of Somalia can potentially create instability as well as affect the security of the region,” it states further.

Last week, Somalia announced it had cut diplomatic ties with Kenya over alleged violation of her territorial integrity. 

It accused Kenya of constantly meddling in Somalia’s internal and political affairs and recalled all Somali diplomats back to Mogadishu and ordered all Kenyan diplomatic officials to leave the country within 7 days.

The move followed President Kenyatta’s meeting with Somaliland President Musa Bihi Abdi and his delegation at State House, Nairobi.

Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs downplayed Bihi’s visit to Nairobi, stating that Somaliland has no legitimacy to deal directly with Kenya.

“Muse Bihi’s visit to Nairobi undermines the sovereignty of Somalia and must be treated with the contempt it deserves,” the ministry stated.

Last month, Somalia also expelled Kenyan Ambassador to Mogadishu Lucas Tumbo over allegations that Kenya was interfering with the upcoming elections. 

Kenya’s government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna indicated that a committee was established to solve the diplomatic tension between the two nations.

"We have so much commonality and any threats to that should be resolved. There are discussions taking place to ensure the relationships are normalized,” Oguna said.