Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo has called on troops contributing countries to the African Union Mission to Somalia to increase their soldiers in order to enhance the war on terror in the region.
The CS says a proposal will be made to the United Nations, after which Kenya will decide on whether to increase its troops or not.
“If the United Nations finds that proposal acceptable, we will engage internally and see how many we can provide… but the critical thing is strengthening the force,” she stated.
“Our main concern is strengthening AMISOM, so that it can be able to discharge its mandate internally.”
She warned that the threat of terror in the region and globally remains real hence the need for a collective approach in dealing with the challenge.
“In the world in which we live in at present, without friends, we cannot meet the security challenges. Without a collective approach to security, we will not get far,” she cautioned.
On this note, she said a mutual defence agreement on having an East African standby force has since been finalised.
She also said that the African standby force can now tackle any security challenges within the continent after it was operationalised.
“One of the greatest threats to peace globally is terrorism. These attacks have affected civilians and those in discipline forces,” she said.
“It is not a matter of choice, it is imperative. We must work together. There are no bystanders in the war