Kenya decided on Monday to formally reopen its border crossings with Somalia in Mandera, Lamu, and Garissa over the next ninety days.
It effectively ends a 12-year barricade that started in 2011 when Kenya began Operation Linda Nchi to combat the influx of Al-Shabaab fighters into the nation. After high-level discussions in Nairobi, Interior CS Prof. Kithure Kindiki and his Somalia counterpart Mohamed Ahmed Sheikh announced the move.
“We have resolved that the border between Kenya and Somalia will be reopened in phases… The first to open is Bula Hawa in Mandera in 30 days. Next is Liboi (Mandera) in 60 days and Ras Kamboni (Lamu) in 90 days,” CS Kindiki said.
He said the government is also considering adding a fourth border post in Wajir County.
“Border communities in both countries have so much in common. There is a need to strengthen cross-border communication,” CS Kindiki noted, adding that Kenya and Somalia will continue to work together to ensure the stability of both countries.
“Our two countries are in agreement on modalities. We will undertake internal consultation on strategies for securing gains made through our partnership,” he added.
The two ministers stated in a joint statement that their conversations focused on the necessity of sharing cross-border intelligence and improving law enforcement’s ability to man the borders.
They also talked about strategies for building modern, safe border infrastructure that would ease trade, mobility, and human movement.
The project, called “Deris Wanaag,” which means “Good Neighbourliness,” in Somalia is supported by the UK and aims to find a long-term solution to the ongoing insecurity and instability caused by Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa region.
The project, which will last for three years and cost more than Sh1.7 billion, aims to increase regional security and combat extremism.
The government also unveiled a fresh initiative on Thursday of last week to reopen its border with Ethiopia, which had also been the target of strikes by Shabaab in June of last year.
The Kenyan government increased border security when the Somali government declared an all-out assault on Al-Shabaab in August of last year in order to stop an influx of escaping terrorists into Kenya.