Date: Thu, 26 Nov 2015 18:58:48 +0100
Kenya risks losing all credibility and geopolitical influence in the region if ongoing territorial violations and provocations continue unabated.
Ethiopian soldiers last Friday crossed the border allegedly in pursuit of members of the Oromo Liberation Force and killed three Kenyan soldiers. This was not the first incursion by the Ethiopian soldiers as they have crossed our borders five times in the last nine months.
On the western side of the country, Uganda continues to encroach on our waters. Fishermen on our side of Lake Victoria are being taxed twice by both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments. Furthermore, there are constant reports of Kenyan fishermen being harassed by Ugandan soldiers who frequently patrol in our waters.
An incident that happened in Migingo island a while ago where Kenyan police officers were seriously beaten and injured by Ugandan soldiers drew no ire or reaction from the Kenyan government.
Contrary to the assertions made by President Yoweri Museveni that Migingo was “just a rock”, there is significant importance on the island than he had tried to portray. Looking at the Chinese expansion in the China Sea and Russia’s annexation of Crimea, territorial land should not be taken lightly.
Somalia have now taken Kenya to the International Court of Justice claiming a vast area of our coastal waters. The Somali government is also upset about Kenya’s plans to build a wall along the Kenya-Somalia border.
The Ilemi Triangle inhabited by the Turkana is another disputed region claimed by Kenya and South Sudan. Both countries claim the land that is currently controlled by Kenya. The South Sudanese government are intent on reclaiming what they consider to be their land.
All this is precipitated by Kenya’s lack of determination to aggressively protect its territory. While relations with our neighbours is vital for the stability and economic prosperity of the region, our interests as a country should not be taken for granted.
The government should act quickly and assertively to show they will not tolerate any breaches of the country’s sovereignty.