International Crisis Group has urged the African Union to question both Kenya and Ethiopia over their partisan roles in the affairs of Somalia.
According to the Group, Kenya and Ethiopia need to be checked to avoid pushing Somalia into a period of increased insecurity.
In Jubbaland, the two nations have nearly clashed and Crisis Group the situation must be dealt with immediately to prevent a recurrence.
On Tuesday, the Group released its latest report titled ‘Ending the Dangerous Standoff in Southern Somalia’, which it used to highlight the influence of Kenya and Ethiopia.
In its report, the Group pointed out the fact that Kenya and Ethiopia have picked sides in the ongoing political tussle between Puntland and Mogadishu.
Consequently, International Crisis Group has requested AU – and other regional organizations such as Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) – to step in fast.
It asked Somalia’s bilateral partners to also lean on both Ethiopia and Kenya to de-escalate the situation before things get out of control.
Kenya has thrown its weight behind Puntland while Ethiopia’s support for Mogadishu remains as steadfast as ever.
President Ahmed Madobe of Puntland and President Mohamed Farmaajo’s administration in Mogadishu have not been seeing eye-to-eye since the former’s election victory.