The government has temporarily suspended its plans to reopen Kenya-Somalia border points following a surge in terrorist attacks in the Northern region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki stated that the government will only consider reopening the borders once they have effectively addressed the issue of cross-border crimes and terrorism that has plagued the area.
“The Government will delay the planned phased-out reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border points to facilitate comprehensive and conclusive handling of the recent wave of terror attacks and cross-border crime,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki announced the delay on Wednesday during a visit to the Dagahaley and Ifo 2 Refugee camps in Garissa’s Dadaab camp.
He pointed out that despite the setback, both governments remain committed to reopening the border to improve cross-border trade and co-operation.
“We are still on track to reopen the border points. However, owing to the recent surge in terrorist activities in the last two months, we have temporarily halted the plans in order to first deal with the terrorist elements within our borders before resuming the plans,” Kindiki said.
The recent upsurge in terrorist activities has been attributed to Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group based in Somalia.
The terrorist elements have targeted both civilians and security personnel operating in the region in recent months further exacerbating the security concerns.
In the last month at least 30 people have been killed and dozens injured in separate attacks in Wajir, Garissa, Mandera and Lamu counties blamed on the Al-Shabaab militants.
On May 15, Kenya and Somalia officials endorsed the phased reopening of three border posts between the two countries over a 90-day period.
According to Kindiki, the ministry’s original plan aimed to commence the opening of the Mandera – Bula Hawa border by June 2023, with three additional borders scheduled to follow within two months.
“We have resolved that the border between Kenya and Somalia will be reopened in a phased-out manner within the next 90 days.
“Within another 60 days from now, we should be able to open another border point,” Kindiki announced.
