Somalia President Mohammed Abdullahi Farmajo has announced the end of the country's diplomatic dispute with Kenya.
A statement from the Somali Government seen by Kenyans.co.ke indicated that the two leaders agreed to set aside their differences after intervention from the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The Amir's message was delivered by Dr Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, who is the Special Envoy of the Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar for Counterterrorism and Mediation of Conflict Resolution.
The envoy also delivered a special message to President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House on Thursday. May 6, 2021.
"The Federal Government of Somalia announces that in keeping with the interests of good neighbourliness, it has resumed diplomatic relations with the republic of Kenya.
"The Government of the Republic of Kenya welcomes this gesture in keeping with the interests of good neighbourliness," read the statement in part
Mogadishu had cut off relations with Nairobi in December 2020 over alleged meddling of their elections that have been marred with violence.
The Somali Government severed the diplomatic ties with the Kenyan government in an announcement that was made in the wee hours of Tuesday, December 15, 2020.
In the announcement, Somalia Minister of Information Osman Abukar Dubbe issued Kenyan diplomats residing in Mogadishu seven days to leave the country.
At the same time, Dubbe recalled its diplomats who are stationed in Nairobi.
The Flag of Somalia accused Kenya of political interference and violations against its sovereignty.
Mogadishu indicated that the move has seen the regional President of Jubaland renege on the election agreement reached on September 17, 2020, in Somalia's capital
Somalia added that it strongly upheld principles of interdependence and maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring countries but believes that the Kenyan government's actions are not in line with internationally recognised diplomatic relations enjoyed by sovereign states.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya had at the time indicated that it had not received any official or verbal communication from the Federal Republic of Somalia requesting Kenya's ambassador in Somalia to leave.
The fallout came in the backdrop of a meeting between Uhuru and the President of Somaliland, Musa Bihi Abdi, at State House Nairobi.
