NAIROBI, (BERNAMA-NNN-KBC) — The presidents of three African nations have paid tribute to the courage of Kenyan soldiers who paid the ultimate price during the El Adde camp raid in Somalia two weeks ago.
Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Hassan Sheikh Muhamud of Somalia and Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria say the only way to honour the fallen heroes is to accomplish the Somalia peace mission. Retreating is not an option as it will give the terrorists a sense of false victory, they add.
“The right thing to do, for the security of our country, the safety of the region, and for the memory of those who fell, is to complete the mission,” said President Kenyatta during a special inter-denominational memorial service in honour of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers killed at El Adde, Somalia, during an attack by Al-Shabaab militants.
The president reiterated that this was not the time to waver or to listen to the voices of defeat and despair. He said the brave soldiers died defending the tenets of peace, democracy and security which all Kenyans cherished.
“We owe these young patriots who gave everything a debt of honour. We can begin to discharge it by resolving never to forget their sacrifices.”
President Kenyatta said it was time for the people and government of Somalia to choose peace and progress over violence, hatred and stagnation. He added that the fight that KDF was involved in was to protect the country from the enemy whose major goal is to kill and destroy.
He reminded Kenyans that terrorism is a global war which requires global response. Nigeria, like Kenya and Somalia, has suffered the brunt of terrorism and both Buhari and Sheikh Muhamud joined the memorial service to give moral support, comfort and courage to the country at this trying moment.
President Kenyatta regretted that some leaders are calling for the retreat and withdrawal of KDF from Somalia saying this is an unwise move as it will give the Al-Shabaab a free field to kill both Somalis and Kenyans.
“They have forgotten that the enemy has made it clear he will follow us home. And they have forgotten that, as good neighbours, we cannot leave the people of Somalia to the tender mercies of murderous terrorists,” he added.
President Buhari, who is in Kenya for the first time, said his country had in the past suffered terrorism from the Boko Haram who inflicted pain, misery and death to both civilians and soldiers.
He said terrorists should have no place in modern society and must be vanquished with courage and determination and Nigeria stands solidly behind Kenya in taking the battle to the terrorists wherever they are.
President Muhamud said Somalia would forever remain indebted to what Kenyans have offered on behalf of Somali citizens. Describing the terrorists as “barbaric devils”, he said what the murderers are depicting are the kicks of a dying horse and they will soon be wiped out.
Source: BERNAMA-NNN-KBC