Nairobi is not ready to negotiate with Al-Shabaab militants over the release of two Cuban doctors who were abducted by suspected bandits in April, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma has maintained.
Dr Assel Herera Correa, a general practitioner, and Dr Landy Rodriguez, a surgeon, are believed to be held in remote villages of Jubaland, within Gedo region according to Somali elders from Mandera.
On Tuesday, Dr Juma hosted European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Frederica Mogherini in Nairobi. The two discussed possibilities of listing Al-Shabaab as terrorist organisation in UNSCO.
"Received H.E. Frederica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission in my office this morning," she wrote on Twitter.
"Addressing a news conference alongside H.E. Frederica Mogherini at the Ministry’s HQs where I called on EU to, among others, support lobbying for the listing of the Al-Shabab as a terrorism organization by the UNSC," added Juma after the meeting.
Last week, reports from government officials in Mandera indicated that Al-Shabaab militants had demanded Sh150 million ransom for the release of the medics.
However, the government sent back the elders to negotiate the figure. But on Tuesday, Dr Juma dismissed the claims, insisting that government will not negotiate with a terrorist organisation.
"I know you want to know about the doctors. Our multi-agency is working around the clock to rescue them. We will not negotiate with a terrorist organisation. That can never be our option," she said.
KDF soldiers from Rangers Strike Regiment that comprises of Rangers Strike Force and Special Forces, is already in Gedo region tracing the doctors. Mandera elders said the two are giving medical assistance to local community in Somalia under surveillance by Al-Shabaab.
“The doctors are well taken care of. They are under watch as they offer medical care to locals,” said a security official who talked to one of the elders.