In a historic decision that could worsen the already fragile relationship between the neighboring countries, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled largely in favour of Somalia in its dispute with Kenya, setting a sea boundary in part of the Indian Ocean.
The ICJ ruled that Somalia, not Kenya, should control most of the triangle of water in the Indian Ocean over which Kenya has maintained sovereignty since 1979. The area, measuring about 39,000 square miles, is believed to contain deposits of oil and gas and has been a source of tension between the two countries for years.
Local reports have it that the new boundary drawn by the International Court of Justice mostly followed a line proposed by Somalia, attributing to it several offshore oil blocks claimed by Kenya.
It was gathered that the court found that Kenya which did secure some territory beyond the Somalia proposal, had failed to prove there was an established sea boundary between the states, which would have given it a greater portion of the disputed territory.
Judge Joan Donoghue said the revised maritime border along the exclusive economic zones for the continental shelves of Somalia and Kenya “achieves an equitable solution”.
In a swift reaction, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said the country “rejects in totality” the court’s decision, which he predicted would strain Kenya’s relationship with Somalia at a time when tension is already high in the greater Horn of Africa region.
On his part, Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed praised the ICJ as upholding the rule of law.
“Justice has prevailed,” said the president.
