Direct flights from Mogadishu to Nairobi reinstated

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Somalia’s Mohammed Abdullahi Farmoja met in a hotel in Nairobi on the sidelines of ICPD25 summit and discussed various issues among them how to safeguard bilaterals relations between the two Nations and direct flights.

Speaking in a joint press conference held in Nairobi, President Farmajo hinted that the two Countries have developed close ties and historic relationship that cannot be hampered by the maritime disputes, he further clarified that they agreed to reinstate the direct flights and stop the “Wajir -stopover”.

“Kenya and Somalia definitely has developed close ties and historic relationship which is based on mutual respect” Farmajo said.

“We have discussed several issues including to reinstate the direct flights from Mogadishu to Nairobi and stop the Wajir-stopover ” he added.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma in a statement on Thursday said that President Farmaajo expressed his confidence that the ICJ issue would be resolved in a mutually acceptable manner and not affect Kenya and Somalia bilateral relations.”

The two presidents have also agreed to restore the issuance of travel visas on arrival arrangement for citizens of the two nations.

“The two principals agreed to bring normality to our bilateral relations and do everything to ensure peaceful relations including obtaining visas on arrival to encourage free movement of our people,” Juma said in a tweet.

The move was to enhance the transformation of the economy and ease travels for the people of the two countries. President Farmajo reiterated that outcome of their discussions is of mutual benefit to the two nations.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmoja appreciated the effort of the Kenyan troops in his country. He revealed that Kenyan soldiers in Somalia are risking their lives to fight and flash out al-shabab who are currently controlling some towns in Somalia. He also expressed gratitude to the Kenyan Government by hosting thousands of refugees for decades.

“I want to thank you and the people of Kenya for your contribution in the peace and security in Somalia, ofcourse kenya is part of Amisom who lost alot of good men and women in the fight against al-shabaab and terror groups” he said

This is not the first time Kenyan Government is reinstating the direct flights from Mogadishu to Nairobi, direct flights was also reinstated two years ago after the Somali government signed an agreement with Kenya to partially lift restrictions that were enforced 10 years ago.