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.
Kenya is eager to bring back the water dispute— ICJ court made its decision that Kenya stole land before and now wants Somali-water as well – our land and water are not for charity-
Time to consider Kenya as number 1 enemy to Somalia. #Somalia cut the Qat and kick them Soldiers pic.twitter.com/1mK8rr5aYp— Mohamed Olad (@Sonofdervish) February 17, 2019
Kenya, out of character, recalls it ambassador to Somalia and issues a torrent of threats. Reason- Somalia auctioned disputed oil blocks in the India ocean. Facts: there was no auction as alleged. I am told there will be another conference in Istanbul then another in Houston
— Abdiwahid Biriq (@ABiriq) February 17, 2019
However there are those who claim the allegations are pure provocation aimed to start a conflict saying the claims are baseless.
Kenya’s allegations that Somalia is “auctioning” blocks in the disputed Exclusive Economic Zone are pure provocation aimed to start a conflict and derail the legal process at @CIJ_ICJ , Kenya fears International Court of Justice’s decision because its claims are baseless.
— Oil in Somalia (@OilSomalia) February 17, 2019
Blocks L21, L23, L24, L25 which are disputed were allegedly auctioned, according to Kenyan diplomats.
From the maps and deep data available, Kenya is just provoking Somalia. Maritime borders is a tricky affair but logically, these blocks are in Somalia. Some greedy Kenyan leader who is not patriotic, is using the country to satisfy own greed. pic.twitter.com/NeAzkaoLHP
— Robert Alai (@RobertAlai) February 17, 2019
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.