The trail of more than 20 suspected pirates arrested by Nato and European Union forces patrolling the Gulf of Aden and the frequent incursions by suspected al-Shabaab militants are raising concern within the Kenyan security agencies.There is fear that the Mogadishu-based insurgents, who are believed by security operatives to have accomplices in Somalia, might help to coordinate retaliation against Kenya. The Kenya government has been at pains to practise its non-alignment foreign policy, especially with no lines of communication with Somalia — a nation that has borne the brunt of warlords and factional fighting for nearly 18 years.Ethiopian intelligence operatives monitoring Somalia have recommended the invasion of the country and withdrawal. The Kenyan provincial administration and security officials are forced to rely on unpredictable and sometimes ineffective local religious leaders to mediate and resolve issues. However, a Foreign Affairs ministry official said the Horn of Africa division, headed by a Mr Maikara, has been monitoring activities in the war-torn country over a long period. Somalia issues“We have a facilitator, Mr Kipruto arap Kirwa, appointed by President Kibaki as Kenya’s special representative for Somalia at the African Union. The Horn of Africa division in the ministry of Foreign Affairs that handles Somalia issues, is very active.”But the Somalia issue is a complicated affair owing to its long standing historical problems. Kenya has to do everything to ensure that there are administrative structures in Somalia because what goes on there directly affects Kenya. “Issues of piracy and al-Shabaab have drawn a lot of international attention,” said an official who spoke to the Sunday Nation on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to journalists.He said Kenya has been in the forefront in rallying the international community to pressurise warring parties in Somalia to work together...more..http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/-/1066/561472/-/13pgdb0z/-/index.html
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Fear of revenge attacks in Kenya over piracy
The trail of more than 20 suspected pirates arrested by Nato and European Union forces patrolling the Gulf of Aden and the frequent incursions by suspected al-Shabaab militants are raising concern within the Kenyan security agencies.There is fear that the Mogadishu-based insurgents, who are believed by security operatives to have accomplices in Somalia, might help to coordinate retaliation against Kenya. The Kenya government has been at pains to practise its non-alignment foreign policy, especially with no lines of communication with Somalia — a nation that has borne the brunt of warlords and factional fighting for nearly 18 years.Ethiopian intelligence operatives monitoring Somalia have recommended the invasion of the country and withdrawal. The Kenyan provincial administration and security officials are forced to rely on unpredictable and sometimes ineffective local religious leaders to mediate and resolve issues. However, a Foreign Affairs ministry official said the Horn of Africa division, headed by a Mr Maikara, has been monitoring activities in the war-torn country over a long period. Somalia issues“We have a facilitator, Mr Kipruto arap Kirwa, appointed by President Kibaki as Kenya’s special representative for Somalia at the African Union. The Horn of Africa division in the ministry of Foreign Affairs that handles Somalia issues, is very active.”But the Somalia issue is a complicated affair owing to its long standing historical problems. Kenya has to do everything to ensure that there are administrative structures in Somalia because what goes on there directly affects Kenya. “Issues of piracy and al-Shabaab have drawn a lot of international attention,” said an official who spoke to the Sunday Nation on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to journalists.He said Kenya has been in the forefront in rallying the international community to pressurise warring parties in Somalia to work together...more..http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/-/1066/561472/-/13pgdb0z/-/index.html
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