Kenya to open Somalia border amid Al-Shabaab crackdown

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The republic of Kenya is set to reopen her border with Somalia after almost a decade of closure, in what could be guided by systematic operation operations against Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa nation, which has been struggling with violent extremism.

The Mandera Border Point One was closed by the East African nation following deteriorated security levels and Kenya now wants to monitor the situation besides controlling the smuggling of goods to the country from Somalia. This comes after consultations between the two countries

Kithure Kindiki, Kenya's Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary announced the news during his visit to Mandera where he maintained that the country is keen to end the smuggling of goods from Somalia. Stakeholders had been pushing for the reopening of the border.

“I have directed the county security teams to sit down with the agencies of government that are represented here, including customs, immigration, and asses the requirements and provide information within one week to enable us to renovate the border post and re-start our border," said Kindiki.

As a security measure, Kenya closed down the border in 2012 at the height of Operation Linda Nchi, which saw the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] flush out Al-Shabaab from most parts of Jubaland. Since then, the border has been closed along Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu.

The shutdowns have not stopped people from crossing the border illegally or smuggling goods. Kindiki tasked the county security team with identifying armed militants operating in the border region.

“I, therefore, direct the county security team to sit down with the political leaders and the elders in a plan that will be guided by the community leaders and elders, so as to flush out armed militants from Mandera and Northeastern," said Kindiki.

Kenya has been on the receiving end from the Al-Shabaab militants for the last decade, with the militants sneaking into the country and unleashing at various counties, leaving several people dead. The KDF is still in Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS].

The opening of the border comes a few days after frontline leaders met in Mogadishu where they discussed gains made in the ongoing operation against Al-Shabaab. Those present were William Ruto [Kenya], Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the host.

GAROWE ONLINE