The Kenya Defense Forces will still remain in Somalia in a bid to help wipe out Al-Shabaab militants, Army Commander Lt General Walter Raria has reaffirmed.
Last month, reports emerged that KDF soldiers pulled out of the Northern Sector, causing anxiety within the war torn nation given Kenya'a contributions to peace keeping mission in Somalia.
On Tuesday, the army chief landed in Southern Sector of Somalia and cleared the air about the withdrawal reports. In his address, KDF reports, he assured the troops that Kenya will ensure Somalia regains stability.
"During his visit to various Forward Operation Bases (FOBs), the commander congratulated the soldiers for their continued service to Kenya as well as their effort towards the support of our neighbours Somalia, as they move towards stabilization. He further assured the troops of his continued support through training and provision of logistics as the continue to execute KDF’s primary role.
"Adding that Kenya Defence Forces will continue to improve and enhance its capabilities and their welfare to ensure that Kenya always has a mission ready force ready to fulfil its obligations deeply rooted in professionalism," read the statement from KDF.
Partly, Raria hinted a possible fallout in the mission between Kenya troops and Amisom commanders. However, he was quick to insist that despite the challenges, KDF commitment is unquestionable. Leadership wrangles within the mission forces have reportedly affected the operations
"He reiterated that with this continued improvement, KDF and AMISOM will overcome challenges that may time to time arise in operations to get rid of terror elements and restore peace and prosperity within the region," the statement stated.
The visit provides an opportunity for the military leadership to meet with recently deployed KDF soldiers under AMISOM VIII as they continue to execute their mandate. It also offered an opportunity for the Army Commander to boost morale of the soldiers, listen and experience day to day occurrences in the operation bases.
Besides wrangles within the Amisom leadership, the deteriorating diplomatic relationship between Mogadishu and Nairobi may have contributed towards the said withdrawal. Kenya had accused Somalia of auctioning oil wells in Indian Ocean without her consent.
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