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Kenya, Somalia End Long Time Rift to Foster Trade Relations

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Kenya, Somalia End Long Time Rift to Foster Trade Relations
A map showing Kenya and Somalia

 

Kenya has recently taken a significant step by announcing the reopening of its border crossings with Somalia at Mandera, Lamu, and Garissa. This decision marks the end of a 12-year-long barricade that was established in 2011.

 

The move highlights the recognition by both nations of their mutual interests and the significance of upholding stability in the region. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on the need for exchanging cross-border intelligence and strengthening law enforcement at the borders.

 

To address these concerns and promote regional security, counter extremism, and facilitate trade, mobility, and human movement, a comprehensive initiative has been launched. With a budget of around Ksh1.7 billion ($12 million) and a three-year timeline, this endeavor aims to improve the state of border infrastructure, making it modern and secure.

 

On Monday, Kenya officially announced its plans to reestablish the border crossings with Somalia at Mandera, Lamu, and Garissa within the next ninety days. This decision follows extensive consultations between Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki and his Somali counterpart Mohamed Ahmed Sheikh in Nairobi.

 

“We have resolved that the border between Kenya and Somalia will be reopened 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,” CS Kindiki said. The cabinet secretary also added that the Kenyan government is also mulling adding a fourth border post in Wajir County.

 

“Border communities in both countries have so much in common. There is a need to strengthen cross-border communication,” CS Kindiki noted, adding that in order to maintain the stability of the two neighboring countries, Kenya and Somalia would continue to cooperate.

 

“Our two countries are in agreement on modalities. We will undertake internal consultation on strategies of securing gains made through our partnership,” he added.

 

The two ministers stated in a joint statement that their conversations focused on the necessity of sharing cross-border intelligence and improving law enforcement’s ability to man the borders.

 

They also talked about strategies for building modern, safe border infrastructure that would ease trade, mobility, and human movement.

 

The project, called “Deris Wanaag,” which is Somali for “Good Neighbourliness,” is supported by the UK and aims to find a long-term solution to the ongoing insecurity and instability caused by Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa area. With a budget of around Ksh1.7 billion ($12 million), the initiative will last for three years with the goal of enhancing regional security and battling extremism.

 

The Kenyan government increased border security when the Somali government declared an all-out assault on Al-Shabaab in August of last year in order to stop an influx of escaping terrorists into Kenya.

 

The Rwandan government also started a fresh initiative on Thursday of last week to reopen its border with Ethiopia, which had also been the target of strikes by Shabaab in June of last year.

 

Kenya plays a major role in the African Union’s military campaign against the Al-Shabaab group, an Al-Qaeda affiliate that has been carrying out a violent insurgency in Somalia for over 15 years.

 

Tensions between Kenya and Somalia have been exacerbated by various factors, including a maritime boundary dispute, Somalia’s accusations of Kenyan interference in its internal affairs, and Nairobi’s suspicions that Mogadishu is using Kenya as a scapegoat for its own political and security challenges.

 

In December 2020, Somalia severed diplomatic ties with Kenya after Nairobi hosted the political leadership of Somaliland, a self-declared independent region not recognized by the central government in Mogadishu. However, there has been a recent improvement in their relationship, with the two countries reestablishing diplomatic ties last year.

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TCN Restores Power Supply to Katampe Substation After Shiroro Line Fault

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored bulk power supply to its Katampe 330kV Transmission Substation in Abuja following an earlier disruption caused by a fault on the Shiroro–Katampe 330kV Line 1.

The development was disclosed in a statement released by TCN management on Friday, October 9, 2026.

SEE ALSO: Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Power Line: TCN Begins Final Phase of Restoration

According to the statement, bulk power supply was restored to the Katampe substation at 4:15 p.m. through the Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV Line 1.

TCN explained that the Shiroro–Katampe 330kV Line 1 remains out of service due to a fault, necessitating the use of the Gwagwalada–Katampe line to restore supply to the substation.

The company also announced the suspension of planned maintenance work on the Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV Line 1 to enable the line to continue supplying the Katampe substation.

The suspended maintenance work involved replacing defective line isolators and the associated earthing switch.

TCN apologised to electricity consumers in the affected areas for any inconvenience caused by the disruption and maintenance arrangements.

 

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2027 Elections: FG Warns Politicians Against Promises on Fuel Subsidy

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The Federal Government has warned politicians against making promises that could reverse Nigeria’s economic reforms, insisting that it will not restore fuel subsidy amid renewed debate over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) petrol discount.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, saying the government would not bring back subsidies on petroleum products.

“This government is not bringing back subsidy on fuel products. We need to be clear,” Oyedele said.

ALSO READ: NNPC Petrol Discount: Oyedele Explains How Lower Margins Could Boost Profits

The minister also criticised politicians who, according to him, make promises to win elections without fully considering the implications of implementing them.

He suggested that some politicians make sweeping promises during election campaigns only to offer excuses when confronted with the realities of governance.

“I think I would pardon people who say all manner of things because they want to get elected. It’s almost like ‘whatever I need to say, when I get there, I’ll give excuses.’ But we have the data,” he said.

Oyedele added that he felt a personal responsibility not to remain silent about the economic realities known to the government or allow populist positions to push Nigeria in the wrong direction.

“I feel the personal responsibility that I cannot see what I see and keep quiet, or populism to move our country in the wrong direction,” he said.

NNPC Petrol Discount Sparks Fresh Subsidy Debate

The minister’s remarks come amid renewed debate over fuel subsidy following the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at NNPC retail stations.

The initiative was introduced as a temporary measure to provide relief to Nigerians amid elevated global crude oil prices and concerns about the cost of petroleum products.

NNPC Retail had also announced a N66-per-litre petrol discount to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the offer scheduled to run until October 31, 2026, across its retail stations nationwide.

The company maintained that the discount was a customer-relief initiative and did not represent a return to the petroleum subsidy regime.

The distinction has become central to the debate, with the government insisting that temporary price relief at NNPC stations does not amount to restoring the subsidy policy abolished in May 2023.

The administration has maintained that the current arrangement differs from the former subsidy system, under which the government intervened to cover part of the cost of petrol.

FG Defends Economic Reforms

During the interview, Oyedele also referred to a World Bank update, saying the institution had acknowledged a reduction in poverty levels and increased spending on infrastructure, particularly roads.

He urged Nigerians not to reverse the progress he said had been made, arguing that the country was approaching a point where the benefits of ongoing reforms should begin to emerge.

 

 

 

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Kaduna Moves to Clear 5-Year Promotion Backlog for 24,000 Teachers

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The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has commenced a promotion exercise for 24,000 eligible staff as part of efforts to clear outstanding teachers’ promotions dating back to 2021.

The development was disclosed on Friday as the administration of Governor Uba Sani intensifies efforts to address promotion backlogs, recognise teachers’ years of service and improve staff welfare across the state.

The exercise covers outstanding promotions from 2021 to 2026 and is expected to provide eligible teachers and other staff with opportunities for career progression.

SEE ALSO: Kaduna Clears N18bn Pension Arrears, Raises Agric Funding to N100bn

According to the announcement, eligible personnel will undergo an assessment process, after which promotions will be implemented for those who successfully meet the requirements.

The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the education sector by recognising the contributions of teachers and supporting their professional development.

The state government has emphasised the importance of investing in teachers, noting that a motivated and valued teaching workforce is essential to building a stronger education system.

The exercise is also expected to address long-standing staff concerns relating to career advancement within the state’s basic education sector.

 

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