Kenya threatens sanctions against Somalia in ‘maritime border dispute’

[Deeq A.]

Kenya has declared it will not surrender any part of its territory in the ongoing ‘dispute with Somalia over maritime boundary.’

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma has re-affirmed her position on the maritime dispute with Somalia saying the country’s action on the disputed areas are in bad faith.“

We will not cede any inch of Kenyan territory to any government,” said Foreign Affairs Cabibet Secretary Amb Monica Juma.

Juma said Kenya is still waiting for a detailed response from the country on the key issues raised indicating that Kenya is trying its best to be ‘restrained’ and not overreact.

“Countries have gone to way for far much less than this,” said Ms Juma.

The CS in a late evening address noted that there could be sanctions against Somalia depending on the kind of response the country gives concerning the disputed boundary.

Part of the explanation, she said, should include an apology to Kenya.

“We will not cede any inch of Kenyan territory to any government,” the CS asserted.

The dispute between Kenya and Somalia lies with four maritime blocks rich in oil and gas deposits.

These blocks: 230, 231, 232 and 233 are what Somalia plans to auction by the end of the year to the highest bidder for exploration to start in 2020.

This is despite at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which was filed by Somalia five years ago over the maritime zones.

Source: Standard Media