Kenyan President William Ruto has apologized to Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan, resolving a diplomatic row sparked by the deportation of prominent East African activists.
The diplomatic row between Kenya and Tanzania appears to be easing after days of tension, with Kenyan President William Ruto publicly apologizing to his Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu Hassan. The apology came in response to the deportation of prominent East African activists from Tanzania, which sparked widespread condemnation across the region.
The Kenya-Tanzania border dispute dates back to colonial times, with the two countries sharing a 769 km border.
The main issue is the Ilemi Triangle, a disputed region claimed by both countries.
In 2014, Tanzania withdrew its troops from the area, but tensions remain.
The dispute has implications for trade, security, and regional relations.
Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the border should be demarcated based on colonial agreements.
However, Tanzania asserts its claim to the region citing historical and cultural ties.
The detention and subsequent deportation of several activists, including Ugandan Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan Boniface Mwangi, drew international attention. The two individuals claimed to have been held incommunicado for several days and tortured before being left at the border by Tanzanian security forces.
The incident triggered an online war between social media users from Kenya and Tanzania, with some Kenyans targeting President Samia on social media and others defending her against allegations of cyberbullying. The heated debate even saw Tanzanian parliamentarians expressing outrage over the young Kenyans trolling their president.
In a recent address at a national prayer breakfast, President Ruto extended an olive branch to Tanzania, acknowledging that Kenya may have wronged its neighbour in some way and offering to apologize for any mistakes. The president also expressed regret to young Kenyans, known as Gen-Zs, who have been critical of his administration since the deadly anti-tax protesters last June.
In September 2022, William Ruto, the Deputy President of Kenya, apologized for his role in the 1997-2000 post-election violence.
The apology was made during a speech at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Ruto's apology acknowledged the suffering and loss experienced by victims and their families.
According to official reports, over 1,000 people were killed and thousands displaced during this period.
Ruto's apology marked a significant step towards accountability and healing for those affected.
The apology from President Ruto came in response to a call by visiting American preacher Rickey Allen Bolden, who urged leaders to pursue reconciliation. The incident highlights the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in resolving conflicts between nations.
As tensions between Kenya and Tanzania appear to be easing, it remains to be seen whether this will mark a new chapter in their relationship. For now, President Ruto’s apology is a positive step towards healing old wounds and building stronger ties with its neighbours.
The history of Kenya-Tanzania relations dates back to the pre-colonial era.
The two countries share a common border and have a rich cultural heritage.
During the colonial period, the territories were administered separately by British and German colonizers.
After independence in 1963, Kenya and Tanzania maintained good diplomatic relations.
In 1977, the two countries signed a defense pact, which has since been renewed several times.
