Jubbaland President Ahmed Islam Madoobe has asked the people of the border town of Beled Hawa to give chance to talks to enable the current crisis over the construction of a security wall by Kenya resolved amicably.
Speaking in Kismayu Madoobe said Kenya had “sacrificed” much for Somalia since the eruption of the civil war and deserved a better treatment in dealing with the border dispute.
“Kenya deserves a thank you instead of blaming it. Let’s resolve the border dispute through talks” Madoobe said.
This is the first time that Madoobe spoke on the border issue that has caused tension with three weeks long anti-Kenya protests by residents.
“Kenya’s love for our country is unquestionable. Their troops are sacrificing to be in our country to defend you. KDF is the most disciplined foreign troops in Somalia” Madoobe added.
“Kenya has no plans to take our land but to protect the border” Madoobe said
Beled Hawo recently closed the border with Kenya cutting it off with Mandera town to protest the construction of the security wall.
Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged the Federal government to resolve the border dispute.
“There is no way a Somalia girl can fight the mighty of a Kenyan Army tank” Mohamud said.
Meanwhile a planned demonstration by activists to protest the alleged incursion by Kenya was stopped by the police for lack of permit.