NAIROBI, Kenya, May 13 – Somalia says the decision to close the Daadab and Kakuma refugee camps by the Kenyan government will make the threat of terrorism worse.
While appealing for a reconsideration of the decision, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion of the Federal Republic of Somalia stated that this is due to the volatile situation the sudden move and the proposed subsequent actions will cause.
Through a statement, it further indicated that it will negatively affect the majority of Somali refugees, who are housed in the two camps.
“This decision will negatively affect the majority of Somali refugees who are housed in the two camps and will make the threat of terrorism worst, not better, given the volatile situation this sudden decision and the proposed subsequent actions will cause,” the statement said.
The Ministry stated that Somalia is turning the corner for the better and has been partnering with Kenya to confront global terrorism.
It however explains that the collective regional success of this mission depends on intelligence and resource sharing as well as partnership and mutual trust.
“Expelling vulnerable Somali refugees at a time Somalia is making internationally recognized progress towards stability and institution building will only increase the risk of insecurity in the region,” it stated.
The Ministry expressed its gratitude to the government for hosting Somali refugees for more than two decades and having been equally involved in the mediation and the search for peace in the Somali conflict.
“Today, there is an established, agreed and effective mechanism in the form of the Tripartite Agreement that serves as the blue print for positive partnership between Kenya, Somalia and the UNHCR for the safe and dignified resettlement of Somali refugees in their home country. Abandoning this will be a legal and moral failing on the part of Kenya,” it stated.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed on Thursday stated that there is no doubt about Kenya’s resolve to shut down Dadaab – the world’s largest refugee camp.
READ: Have no doubts, Dadaab will be shut – CS Amina
Mohamed pointed out that any such the misgivings should end since the decision was final and there is simply no turning back.
She made it clear that the relocation was necessary to protect Kenya’s national interests.
She said while it was important for Kenya’s concerns to be taken into account, the welfare of the 300,000 plus refugees was also paramount.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery has described Dadaab as a breeding ground for Al Shabaab terrorists.