Kenya-Somalia Dispute

Kenya has declined to take part in proceedings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its maritime border dispute with neighbouring Somalia.

Key Point

Direction of Maritime Boundary:

  • The main point of disagreement between the two neighbours is the direction in which their maritime boundary in the Indian Ocean should extend.
Somalia’s Stand:
  • The sea border should be an extension of the same direction in which their land border runs as it approaches the Indian Ocean, i.e. towards the south east.
Kenya’s Stand:
  • The maritime border should run parallel to the equator.
Importance of Disputed Area:
  • The triangular area thus created by the dispute is around 1.6 lakh sq. large, and boasts of rich marine reserves.
  • It is also believed to have oil and gas deposit.
International Court of Justice
  • ICJ was established in 1945 by the United Nations charter and started working in April 1964.
  • It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, situated at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands).
  • It settles legal disputes between States and gives advisory opinions in accordance with international law, on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.
  • Its rulings are binding, though the court has no enforcement powers and countries have been known to ignore its verdicts
download pdf
Scroll to Top