Ruto hints Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] could prolong their stay in Somalia

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WASHINGTON - Kenya's President William Ruto has hinted that the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] could prolong its stay in Somalia, a move which he insists will help stabilize the Horn of Africa nation, which has been struggling with instability for the last three decades.

While fielding questions from France 24 TV, Ruto, who is barely two weeks old in office, said instability in Somalia will continue to affect Kenya negatively, noting that the troops will continue staying in the country to bring order which is much needed within the region.

Ruto said instability in Somalia was giving terrorists a breeding ground, adding that the situation ought to be contained for the region to prosper. He outlined his efforts to work closely with the current leadership and stakeholders to help the country eliminate terrorists.

“Those troops will be back home as soon as we've done with the assignment that we have in Somalia," said Ruto, who was previously Kenya's Deputy President for ten years, and who is not a stranger to the current situation in the country which neighbors Kenya.

In the last month, Ruto has met Somalia's new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud with whom they have discussed mechanisms of making the war succeed. Ruto lauded efforts being made by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to degrade the militants, having served previously as president from 2012-17.

“I think with the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who I have met twice now, he has a much clearer view of where we need to go, I think he is more committed to fighting Al-Shabaab. His resolve is clear to many of us who are in that space," the Kenyan president added.

There are close to 3,500 KDF troops serving in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and have been in the country for the last 10 years. KDF first entered Somalia in 2011 through the Linda Nchi operation under former President Mwai Kibaki before being absorbed into the peacekeeping mission in 2013.

While serving in the country, the troops have been instrumental in liberating key towns among them Kismayo, which was once under the control of the militants. However, the troops have suffered a number of casualties including in El-Adde in 2016 where Al-Shabaab killed over 200 KDF soldiers.

Kenya has also been battling Al-Shabaab, especially in Garissa, Mandera, and Wajir counties with the militants often targeting non-locals. But with increased surveillance, the attacks have since been minimized, leading to relative stability in the country.

Al-Shabaab threatens last month to carry out more attacks in Kenya and against KDF in Somalia if new president William Ruto keeps troops in the country.

In recent weeks, the peacekeeping troops have been working closely with Somali National Army, killing hundreds of Al-Shabaab terrorists in the Hiiraan, Galgaduud, and Bay regions.

GAROWE ONLINE

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