Somali Government Denies Auction of Disputed Oil Blocks

The Government of Somalia has denied selling oil blocks that are under dispute.

The blocks, which are located in the Indian Ocean, will be subject to an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling to determine ownership.

Responding to claims by Kenya that the blocks had been auctioned Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmad Isse Awad commented, "The government of Somalia wishes to reassure the Government of Kenya that it stands by its commitment not to undertake any unilateral activities in the disputed area until such a time as the ICJ renders its judgment."

Tensions over the matter were raised last week when the Somali Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources reportedly presented the blocks as part of its profile to investors in London. While Somalia maintains the blocks will still be part of its territory even if the ICJ rules in Kenya’s favour, Kenya has categorised them as being located in the disputed area.