Rwanda, SA back Kenya operation in Somalia
Perth, Australia, Sunday
Rwanda and South Africa on Sunday vowed to support Kenya’s military offensive against Somalia militia Al-Shabaab.
President Paul Kagame and President Jacob Zuma affirmed their support of military action against Al-Shaabab saying the extremists' cross-border criminal activities violated recognised international protocols.
“Rwanda is ready and willing to provide any support Kenya will require to win the war against the Al-Shaabab,” said President Kagame.
President Mwai Kibaki said Kenya’s invocation of the relevant United Nations Charter against continued aggression by Al-Shaabab militants was in self-defence.
At separate meetings in Perth, Australia, the leaders discussed Kenya's joint military operation with the Transition Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia. (READ: Kenyan army in for ‘mother of all battles’)
They condemned attacks by Al-Shaabab militants and said interference in Kenya’s interests by aggressors had a direct bearing on their countries and the Indian Ocean coastal region.
They urged the international community to show more commitment to the fight against terrorism and religious extremists.
Rwanda and South Africa become the latest African countries to support Kenya’s military action against the Al-Shaabab.
On Saturday, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania said his country backed efforts by regional, continental and international bodies to stabilise Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. (READ: Tanzania backs Kenya's operation in Somalia)
The leaders spoke in Perth, Western Australia where they are attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
At the meeting, piracy was identified as one of the challenges facing the development of Commonwealth countries. (READ: Political stability in Somalia key to ending piracy)
CHOGM leaders lauded efforts by Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, The Maldives and Mozambique to fight piracy off their coastal boundaries.
