Opposition reacts to recalling of Somalia envoy to Nairobi

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's opposition has accused the government of politicizing the deployment of envoys abroad ahead of the upcoming elections in the country, which have already been subjected to heated local political disagreements, which could paralyze the initial plan to dispense the polls on time. 

In a tough-worded statement on Tuesday, presidential candidates tool exception for the recalling of Somalia ambassador to Kenya Mohamud Ahmed Tarsan, who was withdrawn from Nairobi in what Villa Somalia referred to as "persistent interference of Somalia's internal affairs".

The government particularly blamed the government of Kenya for allegedly "inciting" Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, who has since threatened to boycott the upcoming polls should the federal government refuse to hand over various administration units to his government besides withdrawing Somali National Army from Gedo. 

But the candidates now argue the move was "politically instigated" and was being used as a "political campaign", adding that they were worried about the negative impact on Somali businesses, students, travelers, and refugees being hosted in the East Africa nation. 

The move, they added, would injure a smooth relationship with a "considerable neighbor" who has "stood with us all the time". This was the first time the opposition bigwigs were standing in solidarity with the Republic of Kenya, who's a hot and cold relationship with Somalia is rather historical. 

Somalia had also ordered Kenya ambassador to Mogadishu Lucas Tumbo to leave the country over the rising political temperatures in the country. It's not clear if the two orders have been implemented to the latter, despite the ongoing opposition.

Kenya dismissed claims of internal interference in Somalia's politics as "cheap propaganda" in a statement issued by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Kamau Macharia. The country, he noted, would give a comprehensive statement after "studying the matter". 

At the moment, Kenya has close to 3,500 Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] troops in Somalia who man sections of Jubaland. The troops first invaded Somalia in 2011 under Operation Linda Nchi before joining the African Union Mission Forces in the country who are projected to leave in 2021. 

GAROWE ONLINE