Kenyan president says his country will not feel safe until peace is restored in Somalia

Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta said Kenya will not feel safe until peace and stability is restored in Somalia.

Speaking during a meeting at State House, President Uhuru Kenyatta and British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond agreed on the need for the two countries to share counter-radicalisation strategies as a move to curb terrorism.

The President and the Foreign Secretary discussed the situation in Somalia.

Uhuru called for increased international support to stabilise the Horn of the African nation that has not known peace for over two decades.

“More resources are required to crush the al Shabaab and strengthen the Somali National Army before the AMISOM troops can withdraw,” Uhuru said.

Hammond commended Kenya for its efforts to restore peace in Somalia and assured of his government’s support in the Somali peace process.

Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, visited Somalia on 2 June as part of a three-day security visit to East Africa.

Following meetings with the Somali President and Prime Minister in Mogadishu, the Foreign Secretary said:

“A secure and stable Somalia is the UK’s top priority in East Africa and is in our own national security interests. Britain is providing security support to Somalia and to the African Union to tackle Al-Shabaab, a terrorist organisation that cannot be allowed to take hold,” said.