Kenya, Somalia to fight terrorism in Bula Hawa
A map showing the Bula Hawa region in Somalia. Kenyan and Somalia authorities in Mandera and Bula Hawa have pledged to work together to fight terrorism. GRAPHIC | GOOGLE MAP
Administrators from Mandera County in Kenya and the Bula Hawa region in Somalia have pledged to work together to fight terrorism and other cross-border crimes.
In a workshop held in Mandera town and organised by the Danish Refugee Council, Bula Hawa District Commissioner Bile Hufod Ibrahim said Somalia is committed to bringing a lasting solution to insecurity in the region.
Mr Ibrahim, who led a 10-member committee from Somalia, said security agents from his country will share information with Kenyan authorities on terror suspects crossing the border.
There have been reports of Al-Shabaab terrorists crossing into Kenya through Bula Hawa.
Mandera Deputy County Commissioner David Mbevi said joint efforts between countries are needed in the fight against terrorism.
During the workshop, Kenya and Somalia administrations were urged to use existing cultural conflict-management systems in the fight against insecurity.
“We discussed ways that both administrations can better utilise the existing ways of solving conflicts among communities to enhance border security and safety,” said Mr Adan Abdirizak from the Danish Refugee Council.
“Cultural consideration in securing Mandera and Bula Hawa region would build and strengthen the relationship between both (Kenya and Somalia) authorities, leading to a secure region,” he said.
