KDF merges with AMISOM in Somalia

Written By:Simon Achola/Diana Okemwa,    Posted: Sat, Mar 17, 2012

Kenya defense force spokesperson said they have made considerable gains both internally and across the border Kenya Defence Forces has wound up its operations in the Somalia as a single entity and will now join the African Union Mission in Somalia-AMISOM to form a strong contingent. This will increase the number of the peacekeeping mission in Somalia to 17,731 with personnel drawn from Uganda, Sierra Leone, Djibouti and Burundi. The force will operate under the African union sponsored Amisom force in the continuing efforts to restore normalcy in the war ravaged country. Military Spokesman Colonel Cyrus Oguna says the force will now operate under AMISOM in the continuing efforts to restore normalcy in the war ravaged country. Speaking during the forces' weekly briefings, Oguna said KDF has achieved its major objectives of keeping the country's interests safe and moving the ragtag Al shabaab outfit away from the Kenyan border. He however maintained that Kenyan soldiers will not hesitate to defend the nation again if need arises. The force will now get logistical support from the united nations and the African union for the mission in the war ravaged nation. Under the Amisom force,  the Kenyan contingent will work in sector 2 together with their sierra Leone counterparts  which incidentally covers  Kismayu the headquarter of the Alshabaab.  Kenya defense force spokesperson said they have made considerable gains both internally and across the border sentiments echoed by his police counterpart. Critically though two Kenyan government officials abducted in north eastern by elements believed to be the Alshabaab remain in Somalia as the government seeks their release. Under AMISON,  the Kenyan contingent will head the crucial intelligence and information units while Uganda will have one of their own as the commander of the joint unit. Meanwhile, the navy officers from Spain who have been keeping watch on the Somali Kenyan coastline have also wound up their activities and will be replaced by the French navy.