Kenya reiterates support for AMISOM and Somalia

The Kenyan government reiterated its support for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somalia in a meeting of the AU Mission’s top leadership in Nairobi.

Speaking to delegates, the country’s Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ababu Namwamba, said Somalia’s stability and prosperity would ensure sustainable peace and security in the East and Horn of Africa region.

Namwamba also underscored AMISOM’s role in the maintenance of peace and the security architecture in Africa.

“Kenya will not waver in her commitment to the Mission. It is Kenya’s strong desire to have a peaceful, stable and prosperous Somalia and on behalf of the Government of Kenya, I laud AMISOM for the critical role it continues to play in Somalia, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab; and for all the achievements it has realized to date,” Namwamba said.

The pronouncement by Kenya comes in the wake of reports of tensions within AMISOM and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) withdrawing from bases in Somalia towards the Kenyan border.

Leaders in Somalia are said to have expressed their concerns at the withdrawals saying the move leaves the country vulnerable to attacks by Al-Shabaab.

Somalia has fallen victim to a string of terrorist attacks recently with at least 30 people being killed in two separate incidents in the capital Mogadishu.