Kenya urges EU to prioritize fight against Al-Shabaab

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Republic of Kenya has urged the European Union (EU) to prioritize the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group that is dominant in central regions and southern Somalia and has spilled the war over to East Africa's most powerful nation.

With the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) actively involved in the fight against Al-Shabaab within Somalia, the group has heightened attacks in the neighbouring country, killing dozens of people within the Northeastern region and even in the capital, Nairobi.

As Cyprus prepares to take over the EU presidency in 2026, Kenya's Minister of Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the waning international attention could significantly undermine the fight against Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa nation.

“There is growing international fatigue because of other conflicts and a shift in focus. The international community’s support has depreciated significantly, and countries like Kenya have been left to carry the heavy load in this fight,” Mudavadi said.

At the moment, there are close to 3,000 KDF troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The withdrawal of Kenyan troops could create a vacuum in the fight against Al-Shabaab, he said.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is facing a severe funding crisis, with an estimated annual budget of $166.5 million, but only $16.7 million pledged so far. The international community is pushing for the drawdown of troops.

Cyprus will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, its second time since 2012. Among others, it will play a key role in proposing budgets for funding military operations in the Horn of Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE