ALLIS NOT WELL: Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and Kenya Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed (R) during the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting at the KICC last September 2.

FELIX OLICK

Kenya and Somalia are headed for a legal duel at the International Court of Justice regarding the maritime delimitation of the Indian Ocean.

Somalia wants the boundaries redrawn in a move that could see Kenya become a landlocked state and lose at least five oil-rich petroleum blocks.

ICJ yesterday told the Star Somalia submitted documents to back its claims to the maritime territory, dashing hopes of an out-of-court settlement.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed recently told Parliament the two countries agreed to resolve the dispute out of court.

“The Information Department of the International Court of Justice can confirm the Memorial of the Federal Republic of Somalia was filed within the deadline set by the court,” ICJ said in an interview.

The Court fixed July 13 for the filling of the initial pleadings for Somalia.

Kenya has up to May, 27, 2016, to respond to the suit.

The pleading in which Somalia claims large maritime territory — rich in oil deposits and fish stocks — will remain confidential, the court said.

“You are reminded that written pleadings remain confidential until the court decides to make them accessible to the public,” ICJ said.

Tests have shown potential reserves of gas in the disputed ocean territory that stretches more than 100,000sq km.

The dispute that has gone on for six years has kept investors away.

Meanwhile, Somalia opposed the construction of a perimeter wall on its border with Kenya, setting the stage for another confrontation.

Source: The Star