Kenya Denounces Trump’s call to pull troops out of Somalia

The Kenya government has called on the US government to drop its bid to withdraw troops from Somalia, saying the move will deteriorate security in Somalia. Principal Secretary of Kenyan foreign ministry Kamau Macharia said Kenya has in the past suffered a sharp investment and economic setbacks following al-Shabaab attacks.

Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya said such a move is likely going to put at risk the security arrangements in place to fight terrorism and to advance the common cause of the international community.

Principal Secretary Macharia said Kenya has in the past suffered a sharp investment and economic setbacks following the Al-Qaeda affiliate terrorist attacks, including those of the 1998 US Embassy bombing and the Westgate Mall and Dusit 2 Hotel attacks among others.

Macharia’s statement comes after reports that President Donald Trump has informed his top advisers that he wants to withdraw US troops from Somalia which will allow Trump to make good on campaign pledges to bring soldiers home even though Somalia remains under potent threats by the insurgents. Kenya said it will continue to seek ways to transform trade and investment partnerships with the US in ways that can accelerate economic growth and have a deep impact on peace and development in Kenya and, indeed, in the East African region.