The Government of Kenya is facing growing pressure to reconsider its strategy in the ongoing war against terror. Kenyan security officials, led by North Eastern regional commissioner, have emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the nation’s counter-terrorism approach. This call to action comes in the wake of evolving tactics employed by terrorist groups, who have exploited advancements in technology to conduct intelligence-led, targeted attacks.
Workshop on National Strategy Review
NEP, Regional Commissioner made these remarks during a press conference at a hotel in Garissa, following the opening of a two-day workshop organized by the National Counter Terrorism Centre. The workshop’s primary objective is to review the existing national strategy for countering violent extremism, which was initially formulated in 2016.
The Regional Commissioner expressed that while the existing strategy has served the country well, it is crucial to enhance and enrich it to meet the current and future security challenges.
Impact on North Eastern and Lamu Counties
The regions of North Eastern and Lamu have borne the brunt of terror attacks, primarily attributed to the Somali-based terrorist organization Al-Shabaab. These attacks have resulted in the loss of numerous lives, including security officers, police reservists, and civilians. In addition to these human casualties, Al-Shabaab has not spared mobile telephone communication infrastructure in their attacks.
Intelligence-Led Attacks
The NEP Regional Commissioner highlighted the significance of timely intelligence in combating the evolving tactics of Al-Shabaab. He pointed out that these attacks are intelligence-led, targeting not only security personnel but also government workers, teachers, and civilians. He emphasized that credible information is the foundation for such attacks and can often come from a variety of sources, including security personnel and civilians who may unwittingly provide information about the movements of officers.
Community Support and the Fight Against Terrorism
NEP Regional Commissioner commended the local residents for their continued support in providing credible information, which has proven instrumental in deterring terror attacks. He urged the community to maintain this spirit of cooperation.
Additionally, the regional commissioner called upon individuals who might be working with Al-Shabaab to reconsider and collaborate with the government in the interest of national security. He stressed that security efforts encompass both hard and soft approaches, with the latter involving the active participation of religious leaders, political figures, youth, civil society, and various relevant groups in efforts to counter radicalization.
Collaborative Efforts for Peace and Security
The NEP Regional Commissioner underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring peace and security across the region and the entire country. He emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts, involving political leaders, county governments, religious figures, civil society, and the media, to effectively combat the multifaceted challenges presented by terrorism.
Role of the Media in Countering Extremism
The Head of Prevention and Resilience at NCTC, acknowledged the critical role that the media plays in countering violent extremism. The Head of Prevention and Resilience at NCTC stressed the importance of media outlets disseminating messages promoting unity and security to the public. He called for collaboration between NCTC, communities, leadership, and the media to combat extremist ideologies, particularly among the youth.
Global Support for Counterterrorism Efforts
The region has been plagued by a series of attacks perpetrated by Al-Shabaab. The meeting convened county security teams from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Kitui, and Garissa counties, as well as representatives from various sectors, including youth, women, religious leaders, civil society, and county governments. The event received support from The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) in partnership with The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and Act Change Transform.
Conclusion
In the face of ever-evolving terror tactics and threats, the call for a review and reevaluation of Kenya’s counter-terrorism strategy is clear. The NEP Regional Commissioner, alongside security officials, recognizes the urgency of adapting to these challenges. The importance of community support, media engagement, and comprehensive collaboration cannot be overstated in the ongoing battle against terrorism. The government’s commitment to safeguarding peace and security remains steadfast, and with concerted efforts, Kenya aims to address the multifaceted issue of terrorism effectively.
