Stability in Somalia key to peace in Kenya, says President

Sunday, April 28, 2013

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has Thursday reiterated that Kenya’s only interest in Somalia is to bring peace and stability in the country.

President Kenyatta said that peace and Stability in Somalia is in the interest not only of the people of Somalia but the entire horn of Africa region.

Speaking at State House Nairobi during a meeting with the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the President said that the Kenyan forces are operating under the umbrella of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to restore normalcy.

The Head of State reaffirmed that Kenya stands ready to help the people and Government of Somalia during the reconstruction process and appealed to the international community to support the regional efforts.

President Kenyatta also expressed his government’s full support for the IGAD agenda on Somalia saying normalcy in that country and the horn of Africa was in the best interest of peace in the region.

“Kenya’s military forces will continue operating under the AMISOM command to ensure execution of the mandate of the regional peacekeeping mission,” the President assured.

Saying that peace and security is central to the agenda of the African Union, the President reaffirmed the commitment of the Jubilee government to continue playing Kenya’s rightful role in the search for peace and sustainable development in the region and the continent.

President Kenyatta and the AUC chairperson also discussed a wide range of issues focusing on bolstering trade and investment with a view to improving the living standards of people in the continent.

With regard to AU agenda, President Kenyatta assured the chairperson that Kenya will remain an active participant and continue to play rightful roles to further the ideals of the continental body.

The President also assured the AUC chairperson that his Government fully supported the harnessing of youth potential to empower them in charting their future destiny.

President Kenyatta called upon African leaders to work together in realization of the continent’s agenda on security and sustainable development.

On her part, Dr Zuma who is on a working visit to the country, briefed the President on the oncoming AU Summit.

The chairperson said the Summit was expected to consult and agree on the African agenda for the next 50 years as the African Union commemorates its jubilee anniversary.

She acknowledged the pivotal role Kenya has played as a strategic and solid member of AU.

Dr Zuma said investment on people especially youth to impart the necessary skills, Infrastructural development and value addition in agriculture are among other key issues that continental leaders need to focus on.

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