Good riddance

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

I guess the West did indeed cut the funds for these Kiikuuyo mercenaries. Read on.

Kenya to start talks on KDF exit from Somalia

Kenya is expected in the coming days to start negotiating its troops exit plans from the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), the Nation has learnt.

The talks to be led by Ministry of Defence CS Monica Juma are part of the anticipated Amisom withdrawal by 2021, the year in which the peacekeeping and enforcement mission is expected to close down its operations in Somalia.

The negotiations aim to end about eight years of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) incursion in Somalia in which the presence of forces potentially reduced possible terrorist attacks as well as exposed Kenyans to varied reasons behind terrorism.

KDF crossed into Somalia on the night of October 16, 2011. The objective of invading Somalia was to destroy and degrade Al-Shabaab, topple its leadership and prevent prospects of terrorist attacks locally.

Kenya shares a 684km-long border with Somalia which has remained porous with Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks and a string of terrorist attacks affecting communities living along the border as well as within the capital Nairobi.

Although there was a succession of quick military victories by KDF in Somalia, the operation has not managed to shield Kenya from attacks by Al-Shabaab.

The negotiations come at a time when fights between Federal Government of Somalia forces and various regional government troops have risked drawing back the gains made against the terrorists.

On Monday, Somalia was fighting itself after its national forces ambushed Jubbaland regional troops allied to a fugitive minister, Mr Abdirashid Janaan, near the Kenyan border with Somalia.

Fighting broke out between special troops of the Somali National Army (SNA) deployed to Gedo region to guard the border and Jubbaland forces loyal to Mr Janaan, who reportedly fled prison in Mogadishu with the help of some officials in President Farmajo’s government.

The fighting in Gedo is fuelled by inter-clan fighting between Maheran sub-clans allied to Somali President Mohamed Farmajo and the Maheran clans in the larger Gedo region.

“The incident being referred to happened today afternoon (Monday) in Bulla Hawa in Somalia which borders Kenya’s Mandera Town. We wish to reassure Kenyans that our security teams are on high alert to avert any attempt by militants in Gedo region straying into the country,” Mr Charles Owino, the National Police spokesman, said in a statement.

Experts say the move could potentially aid Al-Shabaab in spreading terror.

The fight broke out a day after 11 Kenyan lawmakers secretly travelled to Somalia and met President Farmajo.

As part of exit preparations, KDF is currently deploying a Battle Group which will facilitate the anticipated withdrawal of troops under the Somali Transition Plan aimed at the gradual transition of security responsibilities to Somalia’s security institutions.

The ongoing rotation of KDF troops between Amisom 8 and Amisom 9 Battle Groups under the command of Brigadier Dickson Rono will be the major undertaking for KDF in Somalia this year.

The Somali Transition Plan follows the development of a Concept of Operations (CONOPs) 2018-2021 that provides for an effective outline for the implementation of the Somali Transition Plan. This CONOPs provides guidelines as it marks the final phase of AMISOM and eventual exit from Somalia.

The withdrawal timelines come at a time when Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe is expected to be exiting the military after initiating widespread reforms in improving the welfare of KDF troops.

The reforms range from the modernisation of KDF operational and technological warfare capacity as well as establishing a welfare Directorate with an ambitious welfare programs to cater for the psychosocial and physical well-being of wounded soldiers and their families.

The Board One meeting which decides on the promotions and appointments of KDF leadership is set to meet anytime from this month to consider promotions within the senior-most military ranks.

The meeting of Board One is followed by a defence council meeting which may either extend the tenure of the current General or replace him.

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[MoheyedinIssa]

The kikuyu gangs are playing games here. Don’t expect them to leave us alone as long as we have willing hussies on our side of the border.