Kenya, Nigeria to join efforts in fighting terrorism

Kenya and Nigeria have agreed to combine efforts to fight terrorism.

Speaking Thursday during a bilateral meeting at State House in Nairobi, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Nigeria counterpart Muhammadu Buhari said the two countries will cooperate at multilateral and bilateral fronts to eliminate terrorism.

President Kenyatta said Kenya is at the forefront in championing for peace and security in Africa as they are essential ingredients to sustainable development.

He thanked Nigeria for its support to Kenya following the recent attack on Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers under the African Union Mission to Somalia at El-Adde.

President Buhari and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on Wednesday joined President Kenyatta at Moi Barracks in Eldoret for a special memorial service in honour of fallen KDF soldiers.

“Your presence at the memorial service was a great morale booster to us, our soldiers and their families,” President Kenyatta told the Nigerian leader.

President Kenyatta observed that the African Union through AMISOM has made great strides in the stabilizing Somalia, noting that sustainable peace and stability for that country has positive effects in other countries in the region.

“I must therefore appreciate Nigeria’s commitment and continued support through the African Union to restore stability in Somalia,” President Kenyatta said.

INTEGRATION

President Buhari said terrorism should be fought from all fronts, saying no country was immune to the menace.

“This is why the entire global community must work in a concerted manner particularly in areas of sharing intelligence and pooling resources to confront the scourge,” he said.

To win the war against terrorism, President Buhari said new and versatile strategies must be developed to tackle radicalization and violent extremism, which are taking rooting in Africa.

“The extremist narrative and ideology by radical elements and militants in our society must be tackled through counter-narrative that emphasises education, moderation and tolerance,” the Nigerian leader said.

He added: “Nigeria assures you of support in your ongoing efforts to deal decisively with terrorist organisations. We must all remain resolute in the fight to defeat terrorism.”

The two leaders agreed to promote trade ties between the two countries, saying intra-Africa trade and investment was key to African integration.

President Kenyatta pointed out that a series of high-level engagements between the two countries in the last few years have provided an opportunity for enhanced engagement both at government and private sector level.

“It is imperative that we maintain the momentum for the mutual benefit of our people and countries,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Deputy President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretaries Joseph Nkaissery (Interior), James Macharia (Transport and Infrastructure), Hassan Wario (Sports, Arts and Culture), Henry Rotich (National Treasury), Cleopa Kilonzo Mailu (Health), Raychelle Omamo (Defence) as well as Attorney General Githu Muigai.

The Nigerian Delegation included Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Okechkwu Enelama and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khadija Bukar Ibrahim.