Value of talks stressed for E. Africa peace

East African countries have been urged to explore dialogue in an effort to resolve the conflicts that some nations are experiencing and improve the prospects for peace and stability in the region.

Calls for such efforts were made at the 38th extraordinary summit of the assembly of heads of state and government of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, or IGAD, on Sunday. Representatives of the eight-member bloc were meeting in Djibouti.

African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, in particular, pointed to tensions between Kenya and Somalia.

Mahamat called for talks between officials of the two countries, saying that, for long periods, the neighbors had enjoyed good relations. He cited Kenya's contribution of troops to an African Union mission in Somalia and its hosting of many Somali refugees.

"I would, therefore, like to call on the two parties to open dialogue with a view to the resumption of these relations, and ask IGAD to strongly encourage them in this regard," Mahamat said.

Somalia cut off diplomatic relations on Dec 15, when it accused Kenya of interfering in its internal affairs.

Exports limited

Somalia recalled its ambassador to Kenya and expelled the Kenyan ambassador. It also limited some exports to Kenya.

"In recent weeks, it has become apparent to Somalia that the Kenyan government is placing great political pressure on Axmed Maxamed Islaan, the regional president of Jubaland, in order to pursue its political and economic interests in Somalia," the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said in a statement on Nov 29, referring to a region of the country.

Kenya denied the claims. "The government of Kenya respects and upholds the cardinal international principles of self-determination, sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all countries, and in particular those in Africa," the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Nov 30.

The tensions in Ethiopia, including the displacement of thousands, were also discussed at the meeting on Sunday.

Mahamat urged IGAD members to assist the country in dealing with the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict in its Tigray region.

He said the Ethiopian government had taken bold steps to preserve the unity, stability and respect for constitutional order in the country.

However, Mahamat noted the outpouring of refugees resulting from the conflict.

On South Sudan, Mahamat said peace and reconciliation in the country require greater efforts from what he called national stakeholders and the region.

These efforts were necessary to defend the gains made so far. He said the IGAD is expected to play a strategic role in Africa.