President William Ruto on Thursday raised concerns about terrorism in the country following the withdrawal of peace-keeping forces in Somalia.
Speaking during his US state visit on Tuesday, Ruto requested the intervention of the American government to beef up security in the region.
Ruto particularly explained that he and the President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, held a meeting in which they both expressed concerns of the withdrawal of the forces.
Further, Ruto revealed that the withdrawal of the forces was based on the conclusion of the calendar allocation dates for the mission and not the prevailing conditions in Somalia.
“Today, Kenya is backstopping the security challenges in the Horn of Africa. Before I came here on Saturday, I had an engagement with the President of Somalia. And we have serious security challenges because there is an impending drawdown of ATMIS that is calendar-based, not conditions -based, stated Ruto
Ruto also expressed his faith in the change that could be occasioned by the US Government’s intervention in peace-keeping.
“Our position is that the United States should step in and change the trajectory. Otherwise, we will exit ATMIS troops and the terrorists will take over Somalia. I don't think it is in anybody's interest for that to happen, stated Ruto.
However, the withdrawal of the forces from Somalia has been lately marred with confusion and controversy
On May 5, the Somalia Government wrote a letter to the United Nations and requested for a swift wrap-up of the peacekeeping mission in the country.
Interestingly, this development was considered a surprise to the global body as Somalia had requested to have the mission extended.
Following the letter, Kenya’s Defence Secretary, Aden Duale and Michael Hammer, the United States Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (SEHOAUS) held a crucial meeting on May 9 to chart the way forward.
“The meeting was specifically deliberating on the security arrangements in Somalia post-ATMIS. It was related to maintaining peace and security, with its longstanding commitment to peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts,” stated Duale.
