Kenya is expected to stop the construction of the security wall near the Somalia border townof Beled Hawa to allow for talks after week long protests by residents alleging an incursion of their land.
Speaking with journalists Governor of Gedo region Mahamud Ahmed said talks between Somalia and Kenya over the issue had started.
“Somalia President has contacted his counterpart on the issue and agreed to start talks on March 27 before. Kenya has agreed to stop the construction awaiting the talks” Ahmed said.
Ahmed has called on the residents of Beled Hawo to stop violence that has marked their three week protest.
Last week Ahmed had crossed over the border into Mandera where he held consultative meeting with his Kenyan counterpart Governor Ali Roba.
Kenya says the construction of the security wall is a measure to avert attacks by Somalia militant group Alshabaab which has in the past targeted government security agents and cilvilans in north eastern region.