New tension between Kenya and Somalia

Kenyan soldiers on the border with Somalia.

(Archive image).

AFP

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2 min

A shootout broke out between Kenyan and Somali soldiers on Saturday (September 26) along their shared border.

A demonstration was underway to denounce the violence of Kenyan forces against Somalis.

Kenyan soldiers then opened fire to disperse the demonstrators.

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With our correspondent in Nairobi,

Sustained exchanges of fire lasted several minutes between the armed forces of the two neighboring countries, say witnesses.

It takes place in the town of Bulo Hawo in western Somalia, located right on the Kenyan border.

This Saturday, residents of this locality demonstrate against the Kenyan armed forces accused of carrying out extrajudicial executions.

The day before, the Kenyan counterterrorism police reportedly executed three civilians, suspected members of the terrorist group

.

The demonstration escalated when residents approached the positions of the Kenyan army which then opened fire, prompting the response of Somali soldiers.

For the moment, no victim is to be deplored.

In any case, the incident rekindles tensions between Kenya and Somalia.

In recent months, Mogadishu has continued to accuse Nairobi of interfering in its internal political affairs, notably by supporting the president of Jubaland, Ahmed Madobe, a fervent opponent of Somali president Farmajo.

But

is not new.

Main stumbling block: a maritime territory rich in hydrocarbons that Kenya and Somalia have been fighting over for several years.

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