Barely two months after a peaceful resolution initiated by Qatar, the Kenya Civil Authorities introduced a ban on inward-bound flights from Somalia with the exception of emergency evacuations and UN mission trips.
Although an official statement has not been released by the Kenyan Government, the order comes in the wake of Somalia’s interception of two Kenyan flights carrying a narcotic stimulant – khat.
The two nations have been embroiled in a diplomatic row over the ownership of a part of the Indian Ocean which is perceived to be oil and gas-rich since 2014. While Somalia seeks to use the mineral resources to support its economic recovery, Kenya hopes to fund an infrastructure expansion plan with the same resource.
It is unclear how long the ban will last, however, the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority Director-General, Gilbert Kibe claims there is the possibility of an extension.