Somali govt warns UK firm against ‘unilateral’ Somalia oil research summit in Kenya

A petroleum law has not yet been adopted by the country’s parliament but is being invoked by Somalia’s central government which says that the central government can distribute natural resources.

By Jeff Mwaura, jeff@alleastafrica.com

NAIROBI – Somali government has warned a British research firm against going ahead with its plan to hold a ‘unilateral’  summit on Somali oil, gas and mining research in Nairobi next year without seeking an endorsement by the government.

The summit, Somalia Oil, Gas & Mining Summit (Nairobi,  19th – 21st March) which is being organized by the International Research Networks (IRN) with the theme of Driving investment and capturing economic value into Somalia’s oil, gas and mining sector has meanwhile raised the eyebrows of the Somali government which has questioned the underlying principle and intention of the summit.

“As a result, your announcement has created confusion and bewilderment between the ministry and the oil companies who have been enquiring about the summit.” said Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, Somalia’s minister of petroleum and mineral resources in a letter addressed to IRN executives.

Somali Oil, Gas & Mining Summit 2018 – Nairobi, March 2018

“Similarly, many stakeholders in Somalia are inquisitive on the rationale and the purpose of the said summit.”

Despite stiff denials by Somali government that it was not involved in any discussions related to the summit, the British firm which says the summit is being organized with full support and endorsement by the Somali government continues to list Somali leaders including the prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire as one of the key speakers of the upcoming summit which is to be held in March 2018.

A petroleum law has not yet been adopted by the country’s parliament but is being invoked by Somalia’s central government which says that the central government can distribute natural resources.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ahmed says that Somali government had coordinated with all concerned officials and warned that agreement was reached in efforts to halt the announced summit.

“Therefore, I strongly urge International Research Networks and its organizers to officially withdraw the announcement of the summit with immediate effect.” He said in his official letter.

IRN was not immediately available for comment.

However, Somalia which is struggling to rebuild consider that potential oil revenues could transform the country’s economy, where many people rely on subsistence livestock farming.