Kenyan-Somalian future scenario to eradicate Al-Shabaab

Ahmed Adel

The geographical location of East African States, especially Somalia and Kenya, has made them inflamed with terrorism, in addition to the security deterioration that turned many African countries to havens for international terrorist organizations, whether to expand or as funding routes.

In October 2011, a coordinated operation between the Somali military and the Kenyan military began against the Al-Shabaab group of militants in southern Somalia.

Over the past years, the terrorist movement tried from time to time to carry out suicide attacks in Kenya against this alliance, failed in some operations and got lucky in others.

Vice Chief of Kenya’s Defense Forces Lt. Gen Robert Kibochi has said Kenyan forces are deployed in Somalia within AMISOM framework with an ultimate aim to fight terrorism and end the existence of Al-Shabaab and Daesh in the region.

He also added that the forces put a plan for withdrawal from Somalia by 2021.

Lt. General Kibochi further added that Kenyan forces are providing the Somalian army with the necessary training in order to be able to fully protect Somalia after the withdrawal of AMISOM forces by 2020, pointing out that Kenya seeks for peace and stability with Somalia.

Kenya has been suffering over the past years from the terror of Al-Shabaab terrorist group, which carries out terrorist operations in the country, in addition to attracting a number of Kenyans men and women to join it and carry out attacks on Kenyan territories.

Moreover, that the main reason for the increase in terrorist operations by Al-Shabaab in Kenya is that the armed movement believes the Kenyan forces interfere in the affairs of Somalia.

AMISOM is an active, regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union with the approval of the United Nations Security Council. It is mandated to support transitional governmental structures, implement a national security plan, train the Somali security forces, and to assist in creating a secure environment for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Amira Abdel-Halim, an expert on Egypt African relations and researcher at Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies, says Kenya seeks to restore confidence in its regional role, especially in the East African region, promoting its achievements within AMISOM.

She added, in an interview with The Reference, that on the ground, there are no notable successes for the African Union forces, whether inside Somaliland or Kenya, against the Al-Shabaab or Daesh.

“The future of relations in the East African region and the return of peace to the region cannot not be determined by Kenya or Somalia alone, however, efforts should be concerted under a UN support to end the existence of Al-Shabaab in both countries, she stressed.