The Kenyan government has made the decision to delay the reopening of its border with Somalia due to recent security threats and attacks carried out by the militant group al-Shabab. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki announced that the phased reopening of border posts, originally planned for May, would be put on hold.
This decision was prompted by a series of incidents, including the loss of lives, near the border area. In separate events, last month, five civilians and eight police officers were tragically killed. These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by Kenya in relation to al-Shabab’s insurgency against the government in Mogadishu.
In addition to the border closure, Minister Kindiki also revealed plans to introduce a new approach to managing refugees. In the coming weeks, Kenya will begin the process of integrating refugees who have been residing in camps. The aim is to create a system that effectively identifies and addresses potential security risks posed by individuals who may exploit refugee spaces for criminal or terrorist activities, while also ensuring the well-being of host communities.
