Somalia´s BeledHawa town authorities are set to re-open the Somalia-Kenya border after two weeks of closure, Radio Dalsan reports.
The decision follows a meeting between Somalia´s Governor of Gedo Region Mohamed Mohamud Aden and Kenya´s Governor Ali Roba in Mandera town on Sunday.
“This is the first meeting of its kind to discuss issues of common interest.The two communities share many socio-economic ties, having a joint meeting in order to discuss important issues that need to be nurtured and improved while at the same time highlighting the challenges that need to be addressed is crucial” Roba said in a statement.
“We discussed among other issues, proper border securitization, trade and integration of border communities in order foster and enhance a good working relationship” he said.
Mandera Director of Communications Habiba Ali confirmed to Radio Dalsan that the two Governors had come to an agreement to reopen the border.
Beledhawo closed the border in protest to what the administration claims is incursion of Somalia land by Kenya as it built a security wall.
The town administration last week burnt Khat worth hundreds of dollars imported from Kenya and halted any daily activities linking the two border towns.
“As leaders we are optimistic that the two regions will explore their potential for the benefit of their residents. Insha’Allah, we shall be having regular meetings to strengthen our relations and at the same time deal with emerging issues” Roba said.
The two Governors extensively discussed on how to counter militant group Alshabaab who have intensified attacks mostly launched from Gedo region. Present at the meeting were Gedo region top Somalia Army officials.
