Report: 60% of Mandera County under Al-Shabaab control

In a startling revelation, Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif has disclosed that a staggering 60% of Mandera County is under the control of Al-Shabaab militants.
The presence of these armed extremists has had a profound impact on service delivery in various parts of the county, severely affecting the lives of its residents.
Governor Mohamed made this revelation during a security meeting aimed at finding effective ways to deal with the Al-Shabaab insurgency in the North Eastern region of Kenya. Attended by regional commissioners and county intelligence committee members from four counties along the Kenya-Somalia border, the meeting called for a unified and concerted effort to tackle this growing threat.
Leaders from areas severely impacted by terrorism attacks, such as Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu, discussed the frequent incidence of attacks perpetrated by Al-Shabaab. The primary focus of the meeting was to devise comprehensive strategies to counter these acts of terrorism and safeguard the safety and security of the people.
Apart from addressing security concerns, the meeting stressed the importance of community sensitization to identify and weed out individuals or groups that support the terrorist organisation.
Wajir County Governor Ahmed Abdullahi underscored the significance of engaging the local community.
“This meeting, among other issues, discussed how to sensitise the local community against aiding those seeking to cause insecurity in our region.” Governor Abdullahi emphasised the need for community involvement in order to create a united front against these extremists,” said the county chief.
Lamu East MP Ruweida Mohamed echoed the sentiments expressed during the meeting, highlighting the broader impact of these attacks.
“The attacks in our counties are not only a threat to security personnel. This is affecting the people as well, including us, the leaders,” she said.
Her remarks shed light on the devastating consequences of Al-Shabaab’s presence, which extend far beyond the immediate acts of terrorism.
Mandera County, located in the northeastern part of Kenya, has been grappling with a significant security threat posed by the notorious terrorist group, Al-Shabaab. With reports indicating that 60% of the county is under the control of the extremist group, local leaders have expressed their concerns about the inability to provide basic services to the residents.
The alarming situation was highlighted during a recent meeting held in Wajir County, which brought together various leaders from the region. Among those present was Governor Abdullahi, who voiced his frustration over the limited capacity to offer services in areas controlled by Al-Shabaab.
During the meeting, Governor Abdullahi emphasised the urgent need for support from the national government to tackle the growing influence of Al-Shabaab in the region. He acknowledged that while the national government was focused on addressing national security, a coordinated effort was necessary to combat terrorism in the area.
The North Eastern Regional Commissioner, John Otieno, also stressed the importance of community engagement in putting an end to cross-border attacks by Al-Shabaab. He highlighted the shared and porous border between Kenya and Somalia as a major factor contributing to the insecurity. Therefore, he emphasised the need for communities to work together in order to counter the threat.
The challenges posed by Al-Shabaab in Mandera County and other regions along the Kenya-Somalia border cannot be underestimated. The presence of the terrorist group has led to numerous incidents, including attacks on telecommunication masts and roads used by security personnel. These acts of violence and intimidation have not only disrupted essential services but have also instilled fear among the local population.
Addressing the issue requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses both security measures and community engagement initiatives. The national government needs to prioritise the allocation of resources to enhance security operations in the area. This includes increasing the presence of security personnel and improving intelligence gathering efforts to identify and neutralise Al-Shabaab elements.
Furthermore, community involvement is crucial in countering the influence of Al-Shabaab. This can be achieved through sensitization campaigns aimed at educating the local population about the dangers of terrorism and the importance of reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities. Additionally, creating economic opportunities and improving infrastructure in these marginalised areas can help combat the allure of joining extremist groups.