Mandera governor holds security talks with Somali leaders

By Fauxile Kibet

Recent Security meetings between Kenyan and Somali leaders is expected to boost counter terror efforts at the porous border town of Mandera.

Over the past week, leaders from the two neighboring states have held a series of meetings aimed at finding a lasting solution to the security menace caused by the Al-Shabaab militants.

On Sunday, Mandera county governor Ali Roba held a meeting with delegates from Somalia’s Gedo region led by Gedo Governor Mr. Mohamoud Aden who visited the region to discuss security issues between their borders.

According to the county boss, the meeting which was held at the Mandera county headquarters centered on border peace and security issues.

“We discussed among other issues, proper border securitization, trade and integration of border communities in order to foster and enhance a good working relationship, “Governor said Roba.

On his part, Gedo governor Mohamud Aden said that the meeting, which is the first of that kind was crucial as the two neighboring communities shared many socio-economic ties.

“The two communities share many socio-economic ties and having joint meetings in order to discuss important issues that need to be improved while at the same time highlighting the challenges that need to be addressed is crucial,” stated Governor Aden.

Governor Roba added that the two regions are also exploring ways to use their potential to benefit residents of the two countries.

“The two communities share many socio-economic ties, having a joint meeting in order to discuss important issues that need to be nurtured and improved while at the same time highlighting the challenges that need to be addressed is crucial.”

Last week, Kenya officials called on their Somalia counterparts Somalia to share counter terrorism intelligence to help in dealing with the Al-shabaab menace.

Mandera County Commissioner Kutswa Olaka who headed talks between Kenyan security officials and Somali officials from Bula Hawa said that it was time the two countries shared crucial information and collaborated in counter terrorism efforts.

Olaka said that the porous Kenya-Somalia border posed a threat to Kenya as Al-Shabaab militants easily cross over, but said that once the Security wall was completed, the problem will be resolved.

“We will neutralise the Al Shabaab menace with this wall from Mandera to Kiunga in Lamu. So far, only 10km has been built,” said the County Commissioner.