CS DEFENCE AFFIRMS KENYA’S COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE REGION

Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has affirmed the commitment of the Kenyan government to support efforts aimed at realizing the goals and objectives of peace efforts in the region.

He maintained that Kenya remains steadfast to support the mandate of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by the virtue of being one of the five Troops Contributing Countries (TCC) to defeat terrorism posed by the Al-Queda linked Al-Shabaab militia.

Hon. Duale made the remarks in Kampala, Uganda during a four day Extra Ordinary Summit for Defence Ministers from the TCCs to ATMIS running from 24 to 27 April, which was preceded by a CDF meeting.

The CS noted that terrorism and violent extremism remains a common and major security threat in the region and called for joint efforts to combat the threat.

“The Security situation in the ATMIS area of operation remains fragile with the Al-Shaabab as the enduring threat. They pose a great threat to the security, stability of the Region and the International economy of which our Geo-Political position is a vital nerve centre,” said the CS.

He maintained that force generation efforts for the Somali Security Forces is work in progress to enable them take over security responsibilities once the anticipated gradual drawdown of troops from ATMIS happens by December 2024.

“The Extra Ordinary Summit is important as it presents an opportunity for us to develop a common position on the drawdown. The approach to be adopted by this Summit should create a proportionate force balance, and maintain the gains already achieved by ATMIS forces,” the CS affirmed.

The Cabinet Secretary maintained that Kenya recognizes that peace, security and strong political relations are critical factors in creating a conducive environment for regional cooperation and integration.

He underscored that regional and global security landscape continue to evolve rapidly each time thereby presenting new trends and challenges.

“It’s our collective responsibility therefore to ensure peace, security and stability within our region in order to realize the much-desired economic prosperity,” said the CS.

He reiterate that Kenya shall continue to abide by the principles of good governance, including the adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, social justice and maintenance of universally accepted standards of human rights.

He affirmed that the region must continue to work together in the field of Defence through the various frameworks of cooperation for a stable and peaceful region.