Kenya to shut world's biggest refugee camp amid strained ties with Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya - The government of Kenya has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees [UNHCR] to close two important refugee camps, in yet a move that could escalate security crisis even across the country's borders.

In a statement issued by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i, Kenya says Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps should be closed within a definite time, in what could affect thousands of refugees from Somalia and South Sudan.

UNHCR, Kenya says, should not negotiate anymore, but must find a roadmap on the closure of the two camps, within the shortest time possible. It's not clear why Nairobi reached such a decision.

"CS Fred Matiangi issues UNHCR with a 14-day ultimatum to have a road map on definite closure of Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps. Says no room for further negotiations," read the statement, which comes amid the strained relationship between Kenya and Somalia.

This is not the first time Kenya has pushed the United Nations [UN] to close the camps which host over 600,000 refugees from the neighboring countries, which have been dealing with insecurity for several years now.

Kenya has been pushing for progressive repatriation of the refugees especially from Somalia, whom it insists that they should leave with immediate effect, amid the deteriorating relationship between Nairobi and Mogadishu.

Some of these refugees have been staying in Kenya for over two decades but are facilitated by the United Nations. Kenya is a member of the UN and hosts the United Nations Environmental Programme besides sitting in the United Nations Security Council [UNSC] as a non-permanent representative.

The federal government of Somalia is yet to issue a statement over the latest development but back at home, it's also facing pressure to exit from power after the expiry of its term under the leadership of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

GAROWE ONLINE