In the aftermath of the attack on the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, in which at least 67 people were killed, it is clear that the extremist Al Shabab must be eliminated from Somalia if terrorism in East Africa is to be effectively tackled.
Under a new leader, Ahmad Abdi Godane, Al Shabab has taken its fight to establish a fundamentalist state in Somalia beyond the country’s borders. Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya — who have all contributed troops in support of the elected government in Somalia — have been victims of terrorism. More worrying, there are signs that some of those that attacked the mall came from the US and the UK, an indication of efforts by international terror networks to shore up Al Shabab, which has suffered significant military set-backs in recent times. This is further evidence that terrorism is a global problem that can only be tackled through international cooperation on security and development aid.
Somalia needs a stable government that is able to deliver essential services and economic opportunities to its people. If the country remains trapped in poverty and under-development it will continue to be a breeding ground for piracy and fundamentalism. Those countries, like Kenya, which are contributing to its security and stability, must stay the course despite the threat of terror. And, while it is best that “boots on the ground” come from local and regional forces, the wider international community must contribute the human and financial resources necessary to rebuild Somalia.
