Somalia Denies Recalling Its Ambassador to Kenya Amid Airspace Violation Claims 

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has denied claims that it summoned its envoy to Kenya Ambassador Jibril Abdulle over alleged violation of its airspace, despite speculations on social media suggesting the action by Mogadishu.

An unidentified aircraft cruised through Somalia space and reportedly picked up Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, who is currently in Nairobi for work-related duties. Madobe had fallen out with Mogadishu over constitutional changes.

But the government of Somalia insists nobody was summoned over the incident, terming the news as 'baseless and fake'. The ambassador has not been recalled to Mogadishu to answer the claims, the Foreign Affairs ministry said.

“The news circulating on social media alleging that our ambassador to Kenya has been recalled to Mogadishu is completely baseless and should be dismissed as fake news,” the statement posted on the Ministry’s Public Diplomacy channel on X said.

However, the Ministry did not deny the fact that the aircraft has cruised in Somalia skies without authorization with multiple sources saying its registration numbers were hidden to hide the identity. Madobe is holding a series of meetings in Nairobi.

Madobe who has been at loggerheads with the Federal Government following his controversial re-election in November, reportedly flew to Nairobi on his way to the United Arab Emirates. He insisted that direct polls being pushed by Mogadishu would lead to automatic unconstitutional term extensions.

The Federal Government of Somalia had issued arrest warrants against him with Kismayo also responding by issuing a warrant of arrest against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Kenya has been on the frontlines trying to mediate the deteriorating relationship between the two parties.

GAROWE ONLINE