Kudos Nkaissery-National security must supersede the voices of refugees

Truth be told, it comes a time when national security and its related interests supersede any other external interest in any given country! The reality of this axiom has just downed into Kenyan soil! The Kenya government through its Interior Cabinet Secretary Hon. Joseph Nkaissary has confirmed the Government’s decision to close down selected refugee camps in Kenya due to “very heavy” economic, security and environmental issues.

Those due to close include Dadaab, the largest refugee camp in the world, home to more than 300,000 people on the Kenya-Somalia border.  Kenya plans to close all of its refugee camps in a move that would displace more than 600,000 people.

Kenya, having taken into consideration its national security interests, has decided that hosting of refugees has come to an end. Having said this, the Government of Kenya must also acknowledge that the decision will have adverse effects on the lives of refugees and therefore the international community must collectively take responsibility on humanitarian needs that will arise out of this action.

 The decision could lead to the involuntary return of thousands of refugees to Somalia and other countries of origin, where their lives may still be in danger. This would be in violation of Kenya’s obligations under international law.

Having said this, national security must supersede all these voices. Kudos Nkaissary

Dr. Njenga, Solomon Ph.D

Dean - School of Governance, Peace and Security

Africa Nazarene University, Kenya

DISCLAIMER: These are my own views and NOT of the Institution I work for