Tuesday, October 29, 2013
A top United Nations official visiting Nairobi has urged Kenyans and
Somalis not to relent in the battle against Somali militant group
al-Shabab. The group continues to threaten and attack security forces
and civilians in both countries.
As Kenya and Somalia plot out ways to fight terrorism and subdue
al-Shabab, U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson says the terrorist
threat is not only about killing and destruction, but also a threat to
basic rights of the people.
"We have to see this threat as a threat also to the values and the
principles that we stand for, both laid down in your constitution and
laid down in something I always carry with me - the U.N. Charter. This
is the threat to the basic principles that are in here, and if we start
to diminish these rights and the principles that are in here, they could
say they could have succeeded," said Eliasson.
Kenya has boosted security in Nairobi shopping malls following text
messages sent to shoppers warning them to keep away from some upscale
shopping centers.
Last month, al-Shabab carried out its deadliest attack on Kenyan soil
at the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, killing more than 60
civilians and injuring about 175.
The assault showed the al-Qaida-linked group is still a threat in the
region, even though it has lost much of the territory it once
controlled in Somalia to a multi-national African force and Somali
government troops.
Eliasson said the United Nations hopes to see the al-Shabab threat
diminish through a concerted military effort and the stabilization of
Somalia.
He also said the international community should help Somalia in
building credible institutions so that youths can see hope and leave the
dangerous terror activities they are involved in.
"The threat will diminish by the fact that we will also in the
government and all others who can help - bilateral donors, United
Nations and others - can finally show the people of Somalia that there
is [a] peaceful future, that there is health clinics being set up, there
is a well being drilled, schools started. They need to see that peace,"
said Eliasson.
Eliasson added that with these institutions in place, it would be
hard for Somali youths to be lured into deadly terrorist activities.