Duale: KDF responsible for Somalia's stability

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] has done well in pushing for the revival of peace and stability in Somalia, Defence Minister Aden Duale says, noting that Kenya is proud of the role it has played in helping the Horn of Africa nation to settle after three decades of chaos.

For 30 years, Somalia has been fighting for stability following the civil war triggered by the ouster of military ruler Siad Barre and subsequent Al-Shabaab resurgence which troubled governments. The country is still fighting these vices, over three decades later.

At Mogadishu on Wednesday, Duale, who held sessions with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, said the country is slowly regaining from the economic upset, while recognizing the role played by the Kenyan military.

"Kenya takes pride in its contributory role in the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia that has brought tremendous socio-economic gains to the country and region at large," said Duale, the former MP for Garissa town, in Northeastern Kenya.

"We discussed the security situation of the region with a focus on furthering our cooperation in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism," added Duale, who visited just a fortnight after insisting KDF would leave Somalia upon instructions by the African Union.

Kenya first went to Somalia in 2011 under Operation Linda Nchi but would later join the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMSOM] which has since transitioned to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS]. There are close to 4,000 KDF troops in Somalia.

With Somalia actively involved in operations against Al-Shabaab, the KDF has been assisting around Jubaland state where the second phase of operations is set to commence. However, the country requested for technical pause of ATMIS withdrawal due to logistical challenges.

Already, 2,000 ATMIS soldiers had left in June but the additional 3,000 were prevented from leaving in September following Somalia's quest. It is anticipated that by December 2024, security responsibilities will be transferred to the Somali National Army [SNA].

Also present were the Minister of Defence [Somali] Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud thanked Kenya for "unwavering" support in the fight against Al-Shabaab.