Kenya Agrees To Open Its Borders With Somalia

By Samuel Ouma

Kenya and Somalia have agreed to re-open the three border points between them that were closed in 2011 over security threats.

Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and his Somalia counterpart Mohamed Ahmed Sheikh announced the new move on Monday after high-level consultations in Nairobi.

The borders will be re-opened in phases in a period of 90 days.

"We have resolved that the border between Kenya and Somalia will be re-opened in phases. First to open is Bula Hawa in Mandera in 30 days. Next is Liboi (Mandera) in 60 days and Ras Kamboni (Lamu) in 90 days," said Kindiki.

The three border crossings were closed due to escalating attacks by the Somali-based extremist group Al-Shabaab.

Aside from the three access locations, Kindiki indicated that the two administrations were considering opening a fourth entry point in Wajir County.

Simultaneously, both countries agreed on the importance of strengthening cross-border communication and information sharing, as well as developing ways to handle cross-border concerns, because security threats are transnational in nature and necessitate a coordinated response.

“We will also develop modalities of addressing cross-border challenges appreciating the nature of transnational threats that require a coordinated and comprehensive response by the two countries,” added Kindiki.

The two countries also agreed to improve border security and law enforcement agencies capability and capacity to respond to cross-border threats.