Somalia Denounces Kenya’s Decision to close Refugee Camps

The Federal government of Somalia has broken its silence over Kenya’s decision to close down refugee camps in Dadaab and Kaakuma within two weeks. Somalia believes Kenya has no right to take that Unilateral decision citing the International human rights law.

Osman Dubbe, Somalia’s information minister said the decision by Kenya runs counter to international conventions protecting refugees and therefore Kenya has no right to forcefully repatriate refugees.

He also highlighted that Kenya’s fear of failing the maritime case with Somalia and other Political concerns led her to take this choice. Kenya announced last week it was giving the UNHCR 14 days to provide a roadmap for the closure of Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps. it has made similar threats in the past but vacated owing to international pressure.

Somalia and Kenya have been in Diplomatic tension for the past year since Somalia recalled its Ambassador in Nairobi and expelled the kenyan ambassador in Mogadishu over alleged interference.