Osman proposed mutual self-determination to resolve the Kenya-Somalia border dispute

Evidence

In rebutting this argument [for division by ethnic affiliation], Aden made [the] point that tribal groups other than Somalis seemed to be satisfied with their lot and therefore no question of destroying integrity of Kenya arises. Furthermore, he reasserted that Somalis were more than a tribe, they were a nation. At this juncture, Kenyatta referred to that part of Somalia once known as [Jubaland] which [was] once part of Kenya and had been ceded by British to Italians following World War I. How would Aden, feel if [the] Kenyan Government were to demand return of this territory? Aden sailed into this one like a practiced negotiator, saying I am glad you asked that question. He for his part would be delighted to see [Northern Frontier District] and [Jubaland] territories handled in exactly [the] same fashion, that is, giving people of each area free opportunity to express their wishes on a self-determination basis. — Abdi Ismail Samatar, Africa’s First Democrats, 1087

Categorization

• XREF: A striking early instance of the self-determination principle applied by an African leader, foreshadowing later decolonization border debates.