Kenya has halted diplomatic relations with Somalia after a row over oil and gas blocks spiraled out into conflict. Officials in Kenya said the Somalian Government’s decision to auction off oil and gas blocks in Kenya’s maritime territorial area that borders Somalia prompted the recall and expulsion of the diplomats. Mogadishu’s case against Nairobi hinges on attempts to redraw the sea border, which would impact at least three of Kenya’s 20 offshore oil blocks. The government of Somalia and Spectrum Geo, the company that conducted a 2D offshore seismic survey, have dismissed Kenya’s claims that oil blocks were auctioned. As a reminder, Somalia has long been considered a failed state without a functioning government.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 26, 2019 16:07 UTC