US to tip African armies on fighting terrorism

By Beuttah Omanga

The US military will train and support soldiers in Kenya and eight other African countries to fight terrorism.

General William Kip Ward, who heads the US Africa Command (Africom), said yesterday the countries should team up to fight international crimes.

He said the training would equip African armies with skills to counter regional terrorism.

At the same time, the official said they had no evidence to link pirates to international terrorists operating under al-Qaeda.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) with visiting head of the US Africa Marine Command Williams Ward in Nairobi on Monday. [PHOTO: PMPS/STANDARD]

"Even though both are extremists engaging in international crime, we have no evidence so far linking the two to the piracy problem in the Indian Ocean," said Ward.

Ward added that the US army did not plan rescue operations on hijacked ships because many were private.

"In some cases, the ships are privately owned and we need to get clearance from the owners," he said.

He said Africom would train military officers from African partner countries on dealing with crimes such as piracy.

PIRACY

"Piracy is a matter of concern to the world. The US government, through the military, is now ready to offer sufficient training to officers from countries that have sought assistance," he said.

Ward, who was accompanied by Ambassador Michael Ranneberger, said: "The world cannot sit back and watch pirates take control of seas and other vital areas."

He said the West was joining hands to fight terrorism.

TERRORISM

"Terrorism is complicated. We are joining hands with African countries to bring the menace down," said the commander.

He, however, said the US would not have troops to send to trouble spots in Africa.

At the same time, Ranneberger has underscored the need for a stable Government in Somalia.

"I have talked, on several occasions with the Somali President and premier and we are planning another round of talks. All we want is to see them get a cordial working relationship for the sake of their country’s stability," he said.