Foreign agents destabilising Somalia-Kenyan President
By FAUXILE KIBET
NAIROBI: Kenya has warned of foreign agents bent on destabilizing Somalia noting this threatened gains made so far in pacifying the Horn of Africa country.
Addressing a joint session of Parliament during the annual State of the Nation address, President Uhuru Kenyatta said it was unfortunate gains made in Somalia were being eroded by acts of foreign elements.
“Somalia remains largely troubled unfortunately largely by foreign agents who weaken its government, and who divide her people, and who threaten to reverse the gains that we have painfully won under Amisom,” Kenyatta said.
Noting the region remained troubled by instability also citing South Sudan, the Kenyan leader stated his country remained committed to supporting Somalia stand on its feet as its stability was a dividend to the region.
“Through it all, we remember that if our brothers and sisters in Somalia prosper, we prosper; if they are safe, so are we” Kenyatta said. “It has been our policy, then and now, to help them regain the peace and prosperity they once knew.”
Kenyatta’s remarks come amid concerns the ongoing Gulf Crisis adversely affected Somalia. Somalia has sought the intervention of the UN Security Council against UAE over what it termed as violation of its sovereignty and independence. This followed the signing of 30 year port concession with Somaliland in addition to a naval base deal set for Berbera port.
President Kenyatta stated that Kenya will continue supporting Somalia secure funding and support commensurate to its challenges for Somalia to build a strong and stable government.
He also paid to Amisom troops for their commitment in stabilizing Somalia.
“Their courage and their devotion to their mission were extraordinarily
inspiring. I ask you, Hon. Members, to keep them in your prayers and in
your deliberations; and to devote yourself as wholeheartedly as they have
to our region’s peace and the security.”
SOUTH SUDAN
President Kenyatta said Kenya is also engaged in efforts to support South Sudan find a solution to its internal crisis and that Kenya continues to stand with the people of South Sudan and has lent support to multilateral peace process.
“We continue to urge the leaders of South Sudan to put the interests of their people and motherland above their own.”
He noted that the East African Community is making progress with Kenya playing a leading role in championing integration and that Kenya is committed to unity of the region and also for the continent.
He added that Kenya has set a trend by opening its borders for EAC citizens who can now live and work in the country more easily than ever.
Mr Kenyatta said Africa also stands a good chance of economic progress following the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
“We have, at last, a real chance of opening up the continent’s trade, once and for all. If we succeed, then trade, goods and services will flow across Africa, not outside it, bringing jobs, skills, and unity,” he said.