Tuesday, March 11, 2014
NAIROBI – Kenya has decided to reopen its diplomatic mission in the Somali capital Mogadishu later this year, according to a senior diplomat.
"We know it is a risky affair to establish a mission in Mogadishu but Kenya`s presence will help the current government…as it prepares to hold its first democratic election in 2016," Mohammed Affey, Kenya’s special envoy to the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) told a press conference on Monday.
The diplomat did not, however, disclose the precise date for the reopening of the mission.
"Within the year 2014," he asserted.
Kenya closed its mission in Mogadishu shortly after the Horn of Africa nation descended into anarchy in 1991 following the toppling of President Siad Barre.
"We must do everything to restore normalcy in Somalia," Affey stressed.
"We must take some sacrifices by setting bases in Somalia because once the country is stable the region too will be stable."
Somalia has remained in the grip of on-again, off-again violence since the outbreak of civil war in 1991.
The country had appeared to inch closer to stability with the recent installation of a new government and the intervention of African Union troops tasked with combatting Al-Shabaab.
Opportunities
Affey said the decision to reopen the embassy in Mogadishu will hopefully help the Horn of Africa country in recovering after more than twenty years of instability.
He asserted that Kenya and other countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa must team up with Somalia to eradicate Al-Shabaab militants.
"We must put in place quick counter insurgency measures with a view to eradicating once and for all Al- Shabaab and other militia groups operating in Somalia," said the diplomat.
Agina Ojwang, a Nairobi-based expert on the Horn of Africa, underlined the significance of Kenya`s decision.
"Firstly, Kenya`s decision signifies that the country is happy with security situation prevailing in Mogadishu," he told Anadolu Agency.
"Secondly, Kenya is looking at the investment opportunities opening in Somalia as the country stabilizes," he added.
Source: Turkish Press