Hiiraan Online
Thursday October 17, 2019
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Public hearings for the maritime case between Kenya and Somalia will now take place in June 2020, the International Court of Justice has said acceding to Kenya’s request for more time.
In a press statement dated October 16, the UN court said it allowed Kenya’s prayers for further delay vacating the earlier timelines. Kenya sought a one-year extension in September but was only granted two months which would have elapsed November 4.The Court set for 8-12 June, 2020. “This postponement is granted on the understanding that both parties will be represented at the hearings and no further postponement will be granted,” the statement read in part.
According to the timetable, Somalia will start on the first round June 8 and close June 11 while Kenya will cover June 10 and June 12.
In seeking for extension in September, Kenya argued it needed more time to recruit new defense lawyers. Both Somalia and Kenya are contesting ownership of a triangular territory measuring 100,000km2 in the Indian Ocean boundary.
Somalia went to court in 2014 following what it termed as failure to settle the matter with her neighbour, Kenya bilaterally.
The court verdict is final and not subject to appeal.