Kenya Defence Forces peacekeeping mission period in Somalia should be extended until there is peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, says US Secretary of State John Kerry.
Kenya greatly depends on Somalia’s stability thus the role being played by the Kenya Defence Forces in Somalia greatly influences Kenya’s economy and its geopolitical relationship with other countries.
Kenya Defence Forces exit strategy from Somalia should therefore not be hastened until the troops neutralize Al Shabaab’s cells in Somalia and along the Kenya-Somali border.
Read More on What KDF is Doing in Somalia
The troop’s mission in Somalia has seen to the successful liberation of towns which had been captured by the Al Shabaab.
This has also helped create a peaceful environment for the return of Somali refugees from Kenya once Dadaab Camp is closed.
Infiltration of refugees in Kenya could also be part of a strategy used by Al Shabaab militia groups to make way into the country.
Therefore when Kenya Defence Forces continues to help Somalia take shape as a peaceful country, Kenya also stands to gain.
The entry of Kenya Defence forces into Somalia in October 2011 under the leadership of Rtd. Gen Julius Karangi has been a successful journey which should not stop abruptly, says security experts.
An abrupt halt to this peace keeping mission could create an up rise of these insurgents in Somalia despite efforts by Kenya Defence Forces.
