Ruto: Somalia on the right track of transformation

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenya's President William Ruto has lauded Somalia over the progress the country has made in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, acknowledging that there is a need for the region to stand with the Horn of African nation in tackling terrorism which has been a major vice for the last 16 years.

Ruto, who took over from Uhuru Kenyatta six months ago, said there was a need for Troops Contributing Countries to continue working closely with Somalia to foster peace and stability. He said the time has come for the region to end terrorism in Somalia for the sake of regional stability.

"We celebrate the progress made in supporting the transformation of Somalia into a stable, secure, and prosperous country," he said.

President Ruto noted that the countries must act with focus and urgency and resolve the sustainability and predictability of financial support to ensure that their forces in Somalia function effectively. The Kenyan leader asked his colleagues to share intelligence for the sake of tackling cross-border terrorism.

Kenya has been a major casualty of cross-border terrorism with Al-Shabaab often launching attacks in the country. Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa are the major hotspots but the militants have also been crossing to Kenya via Kiunga Boarder to Lamu where they have been causing mayhem.

To address the issue of terrorism in Lamu, Kenya deployed multi-agency security teams under the Kenya Defense Forces in Boni Forest where they have been pursuing the militants. Over time, several hideouts have been destroyed with the security teams regaining total control of the situation.

In Garissa, the KDF established Modika Forward Operating Base which helps the military to respond to emergencies within the Northern Frontier Districts. The country has lost several civilians in attacks waged by Al-Shabaab militants mostly targeting members of security forces and innocent civilians.

GAROWE ONLINE