Kenyan president opposes ICJ ruling on maritime case
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Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has rejected a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a maritime dispute between Somalia and Kenya.
The court ruled that the demarcation line between the two countries should be as straightforward as requested by Somalia, rather than the demarcated line as requested by Kenya, and with the court giving most of the disputed territory to Somalia.
Commenting on the decision, Uhuru Kenyatta said the result was “a one-sided one,” and said Kenya did not accept or recognize it.
President Kenyatta said “I do not intend to relinquish my national oath; and I will do everything I can, as commander of the National Army, to protect the territory of this great Republic. ”
He argued that the decision was an example of “continuing to violate the ICJ’s laws, and has created a fundamental question of respect for sovereign states in the international justice system.”
“International courts have the same rules as a country,” he said while in New York, where he chaired the Security Council.
“Therefore, Kenya calls on the international community to create an environment in which power can be sought through negotiated agreements. This decision will weaken relations between the two countries. “
Uhuru Kenyatta also warned that the decision could worsen the already fragile situation in the Horn of Africa region, he said.
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo said last night that Somalia has accepted the ICJ ruling in the Somalia-Kenya maritime case.
“The Somali government reaffirms its commitment to the court’s decision, and we hope that our neighboring government, Kenya, upholds the rule of law, does not abandon (ruling) with misguided ambitions, and instead sees the court’s decision as an opportunity to strengthen relations and cooperation between the two brotherly countries, ”said Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo also called on the Kenyan government to accept the court’s decision and refrain from actions that could disrupt “our seas”.
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