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By PPS
President Kibaki has called for demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of Al Shabaab insurgents surrendering to Amisom forces.
Speaking in Kampala, Uganda, on Tuesday when he held bilateral talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, the Head of State said as part of reconstruction of the war torn country, those surrendering should be disarmed to stop them from regrouping.
At the same time, the President assured the Somalia leadership that Kenya has no ulterior motive but was keen to see Somalia return to peace and stability.
“In carrying out the stabilisation efforts, I would wish to assure your Excellency that Kenya has no other agenda and its only desire is to see Somalia return to peace and stability,” he said.
Kibaki explained that under the auspices of Igad, Kenya is involved in the stabilisation of South Central Somalia and its desire is to work hand in hand with the Somalia Government to achieve this goal and create a conducive and stable environment for the return of displaced persons and refugees.
The President also called for the extension of the mandate of Amisom, which expires at the end of this month, to consolidate the gains made so far against extremists.
The Head of State further reiterated Kenya’s commitment in lobbying for international support for Somalia. “We are in this regard willing to host an international donors conference for Somalia,” he said.
Kibaki lauded Somalia for the peaceful transition that culminated in the election of President Mohamud.
He pledged Kenya’s support to the new leadership and government as they embark on rebuilding Somalia.
The President pledged Kenya’s support towards addressing the priority areas identified by the Somalia Government, adding that this can be undertaken through the framework provided by the Joint Commission for Cooperation.
Liberated Kismayu
He further said the Government was willing to support capacity building for the Somalia Security Forces and civil service as well as other training initiatives.
On his part the Somalia President expressed gratitude to the Kenya Government for continued support towards stabilisation of the country.
Foreign Affairs Minister Prof Sam Ongeri and the Diplomatic Secretary and Director for Political Affairs Ambassador Patrick Wamoto were present.
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Recently, President Mohamud said the people of Somalia will forever be grateful to Kenya for helping them liberate Kismayu and other towns in the south of the war-torn country.
“The Somalia government is truly grateful to Kenya for the contribution it has made to peace and stability in Somalia since 1991 up to recently when the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the Amisom and our national army liberated Kismayu,” he said.
Speaking through Somalia Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Nur, President Mohamud said Somalia had reached “the lowest of the lowest.”