Somali Deputy PM Renounces Kenyan Citizenship

Jibril Abdirashid Haji, Somalia’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, has formally renounced his Kenyan citizenship, saying he will now serve exclusively as a Somali citizen following a dispute over his travel documents.

Haji surrendered his Kenyan passport and related citizenship documents to Kenya’s embassy in Mogadishu on Monday, bringing more than two decades of Kenyan citizenship to an end. The decision follows an incident in June when Kenyan authorities denied him entry at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after questioning how he had obtained his Kenyan passport.

Although he travelled on a Somali diplomatic passport with a valid Kenyan visa, immigration officials raised concerns over his Kenyan citizenship records and returned him to Mogadishu. The incident triggered diplomatic exchanges between the two neighbouring countries and renewed attention on the travel documentation of senior Somali officials.

Speaking after handing over the documents, Haji insisted his Kenyan citizenship had been legally acquired and dismissed allegations of any wrongdoing. He said relinquishing the citizenship reflected his commitment to serving Somalia solely under his Somali nationality.

The deputy prime minister stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as hostility towards Kenya, describing the country as a close friend and long-standing partner that has supported Somalia through refugee assistance, education, trade and security cooperation.

Haji also encouraged Somalis travelling abroad to have confidence in their nationality and use Somali travel documents, despite recent complaints by some citizens over difficulties encountered while transiting through Kenyan airports.

SOURCE: TRTAfrika