President William Ruto has called for stronger collaboration among Horn of Africa nations to address pressing security concerns, includingmilitants and organized crime.
During a meeting with Ethiopia’s National Intelligence Security Service Director General, Ambassador Redwan Hussien, at State House in Nairobi, Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to regional partnerships aimed at ensuring stability across East Africa.
“Terrorism and organized crime demand unified efforts in the Horn of Africa. Kenya is committed to working with global and regional partners to secure peace,” Ruto stated on his official X account.
The Somalia-based militant group Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability, with its attacks causing widespread disruption in Kenya, Uganda, and beyond. Major incidents like the Westgate Mall attack in 2013 and the Garissa University tragedy in 2015 underscore the group’s devastating impact in Kenya, while Uganda has also faced deadly assaults, including the 2010 Kampala bombings.
Ruto highlighted the necessity of coordinated counter-terrorism strategies, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-sharing, joint training for security forces, and addressing underlying issues such as poverty and unemployment.
Kenya’s active role in combating terrorism includes deploying troops under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), bolstering border security, and intensifying surveillance in vulnerable regions. Ethiopia, due to its proximity to Somalia and strategic importance in the Horn of Africa, remains a crucial ally in this fight.
Ruto stressed the importance of a unified approach within the East African Community (EAC), alongside broader international cooperation, to foster lasting peace and security across the region.
“Peace is non-negotiable,” Ruto said, emphasizing the need to create secure conditions for communities to thrive.
This meeting underscores Kenya’s proactive stance in addressing regional security challenges and promoting unity in the Horn of Africa, signaling a commitment to a shared vision of stability and prosperity for all East Africans.