News: Kenya warns Eritrea over the supply of arms to al Shabaab
The Eritrean Ambassador to Kenya, Beyene Russom, was on the 4th
November summoned to the Foreign Affairs Ministry over reports that
Asmara was arming al Shabaab rebels battling the Kenyan military in
Somalia. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Moses Wetang'ula, summoned Mr
Russom and delivered a strongly worded protest that Nairobi will view
the arming of al Shabaab by Asmara in a very serious light. The minister
later told journalists that Kenya was considering all options,
"including reviewing diplomatic ties", a euphemism for severing links
with Eritrea. The move follows reports on Tuesday that three planes
loaded with weapons for the militia landed in Baidoa, an al Shabaab
stronghold. Reports said the arms came from Eritrea, but Asmara
vehemently denied it. The meeting at the foreign ministry offices was
attended by Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Thuita Mwangi and
Political and Diplomatic Affairs Secretary, Patrick Wamoto. "We are
open-minded. In a relationship you can never say never to any issue," Mr
Wetang'ula told the press. Mr Russom did not attend the press briefing.
"The Ambassador has delivered letters to me from the Eritrean Foreign
Minister who says he wants to come and talk to us next week," he said.
"If we get unsatisfactory explanations and answers, then we move to
level two," said Mr Wetang'ula, dropping the "reviewing diplomatic ties"
hint. Kenya, IGAD and the Africa Union, would also support enhanced
sanctions against Eritrea, which has been accused of destabilising the
region the minister added. The UN Security Council is considering
imposing additional sanctions. The draft resolution was circulated by
Gabon on Friday the 14th October and is co-sponsored by Nigeria.
