Why claims of oil & gas blocks auction are pure baseless provocation

Image result for images of Uhuru at AU

Mixed reactions and sentiments have risen ever since Kenya alleged the auctioning of oil and gas blocks in Kenya’s maritime territorial area that borders Somalia.

Foreign affairs PS Macharia on Saturday revealed that the auction took place in London, United Kingdom.

Many Somali have come out to accuse Kenya of being out of character especially after recalling its ambassador from the country over the issue although this was done reportedly for consultations.

Image result for images of Lieutenant-General (Rtd) Lucas Tumbo
(L) Kenya’s ambasssador Lt Tumbo with Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo

However there are those who claim the allegations are pure provocation aimed to start a conflict saying the claims are baseless.

Blocks L21, L23, L24, L25 which are disputed

Blocks L21, L23, L24, L25 which are disputed were allegedly auctioned, according to Kenyan diplomats.

Kenya’s sea boundary dispute with Somalia has been simmering for years. In 2014, Somalia sued Kenya at the International Court of Justice asking for a proper determination of the sea border between the two countries. The case is still pending. ICJ judges allowed the case to go to full hearing despite Kenya opposition. Nairobi wanted alternative dispute resolution.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *