Somalia cuts diplomatic ties with Kenya

The Somali government has cut diplomatic ties with neighbouring Kenya, accusing Kenya of meddling in its internal affairs.

It has recalled all its diplomats from Nairobi and given Kenyan diplomats in Mogadishu seven days to leave the country.

The Minister of Information Osman Abukar Dubbe announced this on state media.

“The Somali government, based on its national sovereignty guaranteed by international law and order, and fulfilling its constitutional duty to safeguard the nationhood, unity and stability of the country, has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Kenyan government,”  Osman said.

The decision comes after Somalia submitted a letter of protest against Kenya to Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who is also chair of the regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

BBC/Olawunmi Sadiq