Kenya has accused Somalia’s army of launching an unwarranted attack on Mandera, following conflict breaking out on the Somali border town of Bulohawo between the Somali government and semi-autonomous region of Jubaland on Monday.
It is believed that the violence between Somalia’s central state and regional territories crossed into Mandera which lead the Kenyan government to issue a statement maintain that this amounted to a violation of “territorial integrity and sovereignty”.
The government further stated:
“Foreign soldiers - in flagrant breach and total disregard of international laws and conventions - engaged in aggressive and belligerent activities by harassing and destroying properties of Kenyan citizens living in the border town of Mandera”.
Jubaland authorities have accused Mogadishu, Somalia’s central capital, of interfering in their elections to remove their President Ahmed Madobe in order to find a compliant political leader and expand their power over the region.
Al Jazeera notes that Madobe is a key ally of Kenya, which views Jubaland as a buffer against al-Shabab fighters. Kenya is accused by Mogadishu of harbouring a Jubaland minister who was arrested by their authorities but escaped in January.
To learn more read Al Jazeera reporting here.
