The mainstream Somali media Garoowe Online reported on December 21 that since Somalia announced the severement of diplomatic relations with neighboring Kenya on December 15, tensions between the two countries have escalated, and the Federal Government of Somalia has deployed more troops along the Sokan border in the western Gedo region, which further aroused anxiety between the two peoples.
It is reported that the Somali National Defence Force is currently deployed in Doro, Bared-Havo and El-Wak in Gedo region of Somalia, while there is a Kenya Defence Force affiliated with the African Union Mission in Somalia in Doro.
Some international analysts said that the hostility between the two countries may turn into an armed conflict. Kenya is one of the troop-contributing countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia, with a force of nearly 3,500 troops in Somalia.
On December 20, Somali President Mohammed and Kenyan President Kenyatta participated in the 38th special session of the Intergovernmental Development Organization Heads of State General Assembly in Djibouti.
The two agreed to engage in a dialogue over the escalation of tensions.
