Categories: AFRICALatest

After One Month, Kenya Lifts Ban on Somalia Flights

Kenya has lifted a ban on direct flights to and from Somalia barely a month after announcing a suspension of air travel between the two countries.
Kenya’s foreign affairs ministry says it hopes the move will lead to full normalisation of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In a statement, the ministry however said that all existing travel protocols will be applicable – with travellers requiring a negative Covid-19 certificate.
Somalia has welcomed Kenya’s decision to reopen its airspace.
“This move could pave the way for normalisation [of] the bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries,” said Somali government spokesperson Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu on Twitter.
Kenya banned all flights to and from Somalia in mid-May but gave no explanation for the move.
The ban on flights has been a blow for Kenyan farmers of the narcotic leaf khat, who export it to Somalia.
Somalia is Kenya’s biggest market for the mild stimulant that is chewed while still fresh and thus needing to be airlifted within hours of being picked.
Relations between the two countries have been strained for years now due to a long-running maritime border dispute that is now at the International Court of Justice.
Somalia has also accused Kenya of meddling in its internal affairs, a claim Nairobi has dismissed.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Trump Considers Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, Role Of Chairman Of Federal Reserve

Trump is considering Kevin Warsh for Treasury Secretary, with a future possibility of him becoming…

2 hours ago

Hyundai Recalls 145,235 Electrified Vehicles In The US Due To Power Loss Issue

Hyundai has recalled 145,235 electrified vehicles in the US. due to potential loss of drive…

2 hours ago

‘We’re Going to Begin to License Actors’, Says AGN President in A Bid For Standardisation

AGN president Rollas has stressed the need for actor licensing to ensure fair compensation and…

2 hours ago

EU Closes Antitrust Investigation Into Apple’s App Store Rules After Complaint Withdrawal

EU regulators has closed a four-year investigation into Apple's App Store rules after the complainant…

2 hours ago

IPOB Denounces Simon Ekpa As A ‘Destructive Agent’, Clarifies He Was Never A Member Of The Group

IPOB distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, calling him a “destructive agent” who infiltrated and destabilised…

3 hours ago

Biden Calls ICC’s Arrest Warrants For Netanyahu, Gallant ‘Outrageous’

Biden has condemned ICC's arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, calling them "outrageous" amid global…

3 hours ago