The significance of the legal principle of 'territorial integrity' as the modal determinant of relations : a case study of Kenya's foreign policy towards Somalia, 1963-1983.

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to examine the factors which influenced Kenya's insistence on respect for the principle of territorial integrity as the basis of her foreign policy behavior towards Somalia. In this framework, the principle of territorial integrity was used as the unit of analysis. The findings indicated that within the timeframe chosen, 1963 and 1983, Kenya consistently invoked the doctrine of territorial integrity as the basis of her behavior vis-a-vis Somalia. This policy position was influenced mainly by the relatively consistent strained relations between the two countries. For the purposes of this study five hypotheses were used to guide the analysis. Hypothesis one assumed that Kenya's foreign policy behavior towards Somalia was influenced by the northern frontier district Somalis' demands to secede. Hypothesis two assumed that Kenya's foreign policy towards Somalia was influenced by both the northern frontier district Somalis' and the Somalian claims. It was assumed in hypothesis three that the Somalian claim to incorporate the northern frontier district had impact on Kenya's foreign policy behavior towards Somalia. Hypothesis four assumed that Kenya's foreign policy towards Somalia was influenced by the external actors. It was also assumed in hypothesis five that Kenya's foreign policy behavior towards Somalia was influenced by the internal (Kenya's) party politics. Hypothesis three, which was our working hypothesis, produced more consistent and valid generalizations than the other four with respect to Kenya's policy towards Somalia. We found out that between 1963 and 1983 Kenya invoked the doctrine of territorial integrity vis-a-vis Somalia because of the latter's claim on the northern frontier district. On the other hand Somalia persistently pursued the policy of reunification of the Somalis, basing its argument on respect for the principle of self- determination. Therefore, both Kenya and Somalia applied the two principles of international law to suit their national interests. The study indicated that Kenya, as well as most other members of the Organization of African Unity, insists on the uti possidetis principle with regard to the colonial boundaries. The study, therefore, revealed that Somalia's interpretation of the principle of self-determination was in conflict with the views of the members of the . (Abstract shortened with permission of author)