Kenya’s Defense Minister Monica Juma has for the first time detailed the government’s plans to withdraw its troops from Somalia.
In an exclusive interview with Kenyan media, Monica ruled out that Kenya was planning to withdraw its troops from Somalia, particularly in the Juba and Gedo regions in the south. “Kenya is a member of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and has complied with the UN resolution,” she said.
“There are really no things that need to be clarified. Kenya is part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). We went there with a UN Security Council resolution. But it is well known that our operations in Somalia have been ongoing since the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991-1992, ”said Monica Juma.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s defense minister announced the terms of the withdrawal of troops from Somalia, outlining three conditions: 1- Peace in Somalia, 2- Defeat Al-Shabaab and 3- that local authorities be able to provide security.
“We went to Somalia for a reason, and of course there are conditions for us to leave there with AMISOM. These requirements are; Establish peace in Somalia, defeat al-Shabaab and enable local authorities to maintain security. ” she reiterated. Lastly, Monica Juma underlined that Kenya has its own plan to withdraw its troops from Somalia, but stated that they are part of the decision of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
The statement comes amid reports that Kenya is withdrawing its troops, following an escalation of violence in southern Somalia, particularly in the Gedo region.