The long-running maritime dispute between Kenya and Somalia returned to the global stage as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) opened hearings in The Hague, following years of stalled negotiations and multiple postponements. The case, centred on a contested 100,000sq km area of the Indian Ocean believed to hold significant oil and gas deposits, has deepened political tensions between the two neighbours. Somalia maintains that the maritime boundary should follow the direction of its land border, while Kenya argues that the line should extend eastwards, giving it a larger share of the offshore territory.
The ICJ proceedings, held in a hybrid format due to the pandemic, mark a critical moment after earlier diplomatic efforts failed to produce a settlement. Kenya has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s scheduling, citing concerns over fairness and constraints arising from COVID-19 disruptions. Despite these objections, the ICJ ruled that the hearings would proceed, noting that delays dating back to 2019 had already hindered progress. Somalia welcomed the resumption of the case, accusing Kenya of attempting to stall a binding ruling that could reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape.
Relations between Nairobi and Mogadishu have deteriorated sharply in recent years, with diplomatic expulsions, border security incidents, and disputes over khat imports intensifying mistrust. Tensions peaked after Somalia severed diplomatic ties with Kenya in late 2020, accusing Nairobi of interference in its domestic affairs—an allegation Kenya denied. As the ICJ moves forward, analysts warn that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for resource control, regional stability, and future cooperation between the two countries. Whether the ruling ultimately promotes reconciliation or deepens the rift will depend on each nation’s willingness to accept and implement the court’s decision.