The Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, on Tuesday made a significant visit to Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops deployed under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), focusing on Sector Two, which covers key areas like Dhobley and Kismayu. This visit comes just months before the transition of ATMIS into the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to take effect in January 2025.
During his visit, Gen Kahariri praised the KDF personnel for their unwavering commitment and professionalism in their mission to restore peace and stability in Somalia. He commended the troops for their discipline, integrity, and professionalism, which have been vital in achieving the success of the mission and enhancing regional security. The CDF underscored the critical role that KDF soldiers continue to play in countering al-Shabaab, the militant group that has been destabilizing Somalia for years. The Kenyan troops’ contribution has been central to the African Union’s efforts in providing security and supporting Somalia’s transition to a stable government.
Gen Kahariri’s message to the troops was one of optimism for the future of Somalia, noting that their efforts have laid the groundwork for the nation’s recovery. As the mission progresses toward its transition, he urged the soldiers to remain vigilant and maintain high standards of alertness, as these would be crucial in countering any future threats posed by al-Shabaab and other destabilizing forces in the region.
“Maintaining high standards of alertness is key to defeating enemy operations,” Gen Kahariri stated. The remarks reflect an awareness that the changing political and military dynamics in Somalia will require sustained efforts and strategic vigilance from the forces on the ground. The anticipated changes in the mission are seen as a response to the evolving situation in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa region. While ATMIS is coming to an end, the focus will shift towards AUSSOM, which will have a more support-oriented role, ensuring that the Somali government can take on more responsibility for its own security.
The transition to AUSSOM is a significant milestone in the African Union’s engagement in Somalia. The mission’s shift reflects a gradual handover of security responsibilities to Somali forces, who are expected to take the lead in combating al-Shabaab. However, Kenya, as a key player in the mission, remains committed to providing support in the form of boots on the ground, a stance driven by the ongoing threat from al-Shabaab. Kenyan troops have been stationed in Somalia since 2012, when Kenya sent forces to help stabilize the country. Despite significant gains in the fight against al-Shabaab, the group remains a serious threat.
Gen Kahariri was joined on his visit by senior officers from Defence Headquarters, including Deputy Sector 2 Commander Colonel Meshack Kishoyian and Defence Forces Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class One Bwana Haji Omari. Their presence highlighted the importance of the visit in reinforcing the troops’ morale and preparing them for the upcoming changes.
The visit also comes at a time when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is actively engaged in shuttle diplomacy to galvanize support for the transition. His recent trips to Burundi, Djibouti, Uganda, and Kenya are part of ongoing discussions aimed at ensuring continued international backing for Somalia’s stabilization. In these talks, President Mohamud has also sought to address the delicate geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly with Ethiopia and Somaliland, making the role of neighboring countries like Kenya crucial in maintaining peace and security in the region.
Earlier in the week, Gen Kahariri had visited the Wajir Air Base, where he received briefings on the regional security situation. There, he expressed gratitude to KDF personnel for their dedication to safeguarding Kenya’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the broader regional security concerns that influence the country’s defense strategy.
As Kenya continues to play a pivotal role in the stability of Somalia and the Horn of Africa, Gen Kahariri’s visit serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high operational standards and readiness. The planned transition in Somalia represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Kenya to adjust its strategy and continue supporting peace and security in the region.
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