On February 3, 2010, New America Foundation welcomed Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo “Steven” Musyoka and Kenyan National Assembly Speaker Otiato “Kenneth” Marende to discuss the current crisis occurring in Somalia, and in wider Horn of Africa subregion.
The crisis in Somalia has direct, negative implications for Kenya and all other countries in its region, Vice-President Musyoka stated. The 1,800 kilometer border between Kenya and Somalia is fragile, un-demarcated, and can easily be crossed on foot. Other countries in the area such as Sudan, Yemen, and Ethiopia, struggle constantly to maintain peace and stability within their borders while pursuing development. As the crisis blooms and the extremist groups grow, this subregion has become increasingly volatile. Vice-President Musyoka expressed his astonishment at hearing the Pakistan foreign minister triumphantly declare that many Taliban members were currently fleeing into Yemen. This migration, he argued, will directly exacerbate an already perilous situation.
We must wake up to the reality of extremism, Vice-President Musyoka stressed. We must, he insisted, act immediately because it will soon be too late. Vice-President Musyoka recommended not military aid, but comprehensive information sharing between Africa and the rest of the international community. He praised humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross and encouraged other similar organizations to join them in their efforts in Somalia. Most importantly, Vice-President Musyoka emphasized the need of not only a police force in Somalia, but one that is well-equipped and paid on time. As he put simply, if you do not give them a paycheck at the end of the month, they will leave and join the other side.
Vice-President Musyoka concluded his statements by touching on a variety of other subjects, including the popularity of U.S. President Barack Obama in Kenya. Many Kenyans feel a certain connection to President Obama due to his past ties with Kenya, Vice-President Musyoka said, but they also understand that President Obama is an American president, elected by his own. However, he added that the day President Obama visits Kenya will be a day that many have long looked for.
