Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Haji Abdirashid has rejected allegations made against him following his recent deportation from Kenya, describing claims that he was involved in activities threatening the security of Kenya and Somalia as false and unsupported by evidence.
The statement follows his deportation by Kenyan authorities from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where he was allegedly accused of possessing illegally acquired Kenyan documents and was linked to activities they claimed could have threatened security in towns along the Kenya-Somalia border.
According to information released after the incident, Kenyan authorities alleged that Abdirashid had been involved in efforts to destabilise border towns. They claimed he had airlifted weapons into one of the towns and was travelling from JKIA to the area to arm clan militias, an action they said could have undermined peace and security on the Kenyan side of the border.
The allegations also linked the Deputy Prime Minister to recent fighting in Baidoa that left civilians dead and displaced hundreds of families. Kenyan authorities did not publicly provide evidence to support the claims at the time they were made.
In a statement issued on Monday, Abdirashid firmly denied the allegations, saying he had never engaged in any activity intended to undermine the security, sovereignty, stability or territorial integrity of either Kenya or Somalia.
"I reject these allegations in full. They are false, baseless, and unsupported by fact. At no time did I engage in any activity aimed at undermining the security, sovereignty, stability, or territorial integrity of the Republic of Kenya or the Federal Republic of Somalia," he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said he has always carried out his public duties in accordance with the rule of law while promoting regional peace and good neighbourly relations. He also urged the public and the media to refrain from spreading unverified information.
Abdirashid used the statement to reaffirm the strong relationship between Somalia and Kenya, noting that the two countries have cooperated for many years in areas including security, humanitarian assistance, trade and regional cooperation.
He described Kenya as one of Somalia's closest and most valued partners, acknowledging its role in supporting Somalia through humanitarian assistance, peace and security efforts, refugee hosting and state-building initiatives.
"The Republic of Kenya remains one of the closest and most valued partners of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Over many years, the Government and people of Kenya have supported Somalia during difficult periods," he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that the people of Somalia and Kenya share deep historical, cultural and family ties, as well as longstanding trade and regional connections that should continue to be strengthened for the benefit of both countries.
He further said that, as Deputy Prime Minister, he remains committed to deepening cooperation between the neighbouring countries in areas including security, trade, investment, infrastructure, regional integration and people-to-people engagement.
"I remain committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Somalia and Kenya. This includes collaboration in security, trade, investment, infrastructure, regional integration, and people-to-people engagement for mutual benefit," he said.
The incident has drawn attention because of Abdirashid's senior position in the Somali government and the close relationship between Kenya and Somalia, which continue to cooperate on security, trade and regional affairs despite occasional diplomatic disagreements.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google