Kenya and Somalia have been fighting a prolonged case of 30,000 square nautical miles of territory in the Indian Ocean.
- The disputed area where their maritime entitlements overlap according to the court records has prospects of vast oil and gas deposits.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will announce its decision on the matter on October 12, 2021 – expected to close the case between the two neighbors filed as early as 2014.
Kenya and Somalia have been fighting a prolonged case of 30,000 square nautical miles of territory in the Indian Ocean. The disputed area where their maritime entitlements overlap according to the court records has prospects of vast oil and gas deposits. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will announce its decision on the matter on October 12, 2021 – expected to close the case between the two neighbours filed as early as 2014.
Kenya claims that the area is a major source of livelihood for Kenyan fishermen and has alleged that some global powers with interests in minerals in the contested area have been trying to influence the case in favor of Somalia. Somalia had attempted to sell some oil blocks at an international auction in London, UK, in the area.
The government of Kenya according to sources is not hopeful of a favorable judgement and indicates that Kenya will not accept a hostile ruling and may defy the court.
Kenya alleges that it was treated unfairly by the court rejecting a string of merited applications. Kenya had sought the replacement of Judge Ahmed Yusuf, a Somali over conflict of interest.
Kenya boycotted the ICJ’s public hearings, leaving Somalia to defend its case. In short, the proceedings that closed in March in The Hague became a one-sided procedure due to the absence of Kenya.
