We must all fight terrorism, Ruto says

President William Ruto when he was hosted by his Somalia counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ahead of the Somalia Summitt. [PCS]

President William Ruto has said the war against terrorism in the Horn of Africa calls for a collective effort.

He noted that the Region must adopt a common strategy for combating terrorism and the associated criminality.

He said through common endeavour, leaders have the power to rebuild stable societies and secure the people's well-being.

"We must dismantle terror networks and financial support infrastructure; this must be complemented by countering radicalisation and the propagation of extremism," he said.

The President was speaking on Wednesday in Mogadishu during the Somalia Frontline States Summit on regional efforts towards stabilisation of Somalia and eradication of terrorism.

Present were Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, among other leaders.

During the Summit, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia agreed to join forces in restoring peace and stability in the Al-Shabaab-prone areas of Somalia.

"Following deliberations, the Summit agreed to jointly plan and organise a robust operational campaign at the frontline states level, of search and destroy Al-Shabaab on multiple frontlines aiming at the key strategic Al-Shabaab strongholds across the south and central Somalia," read a joint statement.

The Heads of State also agreed to rebuild and modernise Somalia's security forces to ensure they are well prepared to contain the Al-Shabaab.

They lauded the National Consultative Council of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States for together to confront terrorism in the country.

At the same time, President Ruto asked the people of Somalia to rise bravely to seize their country from the clutches of the al-Shabaab terrorist group.

In particular, he pointed out the involvement of local communities in countering Al-Shabaab terrorists is "extremely brave and remarkable".

"We congratulate President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on this radical strategic turnaround and the success that is now evident in many parts of Somalia."
In order to sustain the resurgent momentum of the achievements made by Somalia, President Ruto explained, it is time for us to firmly commit to improving our overall capacity to intervene effectively.

"This can be achieved by enhancing the complementary mobilisation of law enforcement, intelligence and financial resources."