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Ruto urges regional unity to tackle terror threats, strengthen security

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Ruto urges regional unity to tackle terror threats, strengthen security
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President William Ruto has called for enhanced collaboration among countries in the Horn of Africa to address security challenges such as terrorism and organized crime.

Speaking after a meeting with Ethiopia’s Director General of the National Intelligence Security Service, Ambassador Redwan Hussien, at State House, Nairobi, Ruto emphasized Kenya’s commitment to working with regional and global partners to bring stability to the East African Community (EAC) and beyond.

“Security challenges such as terrorism and organized crime require collaborative efforts among countries in the Horn of Africa. Kenya undertakes to work with partners across the globe to ensure peace and stability,” Ruto stated on his X account.

The Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militant group remains a significant threat to peace and stability in the region. Its cross-border attacks on Kenya and Uganda have caused widespread devastation and insecurity.

In Kenya, Al-Shabaab’s attacks include the Westgate Mall attack (2013), which left 67 people dead, and the Garissa University attack (2015), where 148 students were killed.

The group continues to target Kenya’s northeastern region, disrupting education, trade, and local governance.

In Uganda, the group’s most notable attack was the 2010 Kampala bombings, which killed 74 people. More recently, Al-Shabaab has carried out raids near the Ugandan border, threatening regional stability.

These attacks highlight the urgent need for coordinated counter-terrorism efforts to protect civilians and infrastructure across East Africa.

Kenya has been at the forefront of combating terrorism, both within its borders and as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The country has deployed troops to Somalia, strengthened its border security, and enhanced surveillance in northeastern counties.

During his meeting with Ambassador Hussien, President Ruto discussed strategies to strengthen intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism measures with Ethiopia, a key ally in regional security.

Ethiopia’s proximity to Somalia and its strategic role in the Horn of Africa make it a critical partner in combating Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups.

President Ruto underscored the need for a unified regional strategy to address security challenges including enhanced intelligence-sharing among EAC member states, joint training programs for security personnel and economic development initiatives to address the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty and unemployment.

In addition, Kenya has committed to working with international partners to strengthen global counter-terrorism efforts.

The country’s focus on regional collaboration aligns with its broader foreign policy agenda of promoting peace and stability in Africa.

The meeting at State House highlights Kenya’s proactive approach to tackling insecurity and fostering unity in the Horn of Africa.

As President Ruto emphasized, “Peace is non-negotiable. We owe it to our people to create a secure environment where they can thrive.”

With growing regional partnerships and a shared vision for stability, East Africa is poised to make significant strides in overcoming the threat of terrorism and ensuring lasting peace for its citizens.

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