Interior CS Kindiki Leads Small Arms Fight in Great Lakes & Horn of Africa
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki was given the lead role in combating small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa on Sunday, June 25.
According to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior, Kindiki was unanimously elected to the new position by representatives of the organization’s 15 member states.
Principal Secretary of the Interior Raymond Omollo, who represented the nation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remarked that the new role effectively broadens the country’s scope of responsibilities in the fight against the illegal arms trade.
Additionally, the operation is anticipated to promote lasting peace and security in the region.
“Kenya pledges unconditional support and commitment to this cause, and I am certain that the role that the member states have assigned us today will make us even more aggressive in the fight against this menace,” the statement stated.
The Council consists of ministers responsible for Internal Security in member states.
PS Omollo also outlined the government’s priorities, emphasizing the importance of participative leadership in reducing the availability of illegal arms.
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“We will strive to be a true partner who not only leads by example but also fosters an environment of collaboration, growth, and collective success,” Omollo explained.
He added that the government intends to promote innovative approaches to address the underlying cause of the vice, which has worsened in several counties throughout the region.
In its proposals, Kenya will seek to leverage the power of sharing resources and expertise to accelerate disarmament operations and implement innovative, community-specific security solutions.
We believe in a comprehensive approach that includes disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration initiatives, as well as robust community-based initiatives.
Omololo stated, “We intend to strengthen coordination, regional organizations, and international partners to strengthen our collective efforts to improve information sharing and detect, prevent, and respond to illicit trade.”
Before the appointment, Kenya stood in for the DRC as chair of the Council of Ministers (CoM), the supreme body that provides the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) with the necessary policy direction.
One of Kindiki’s initial responsibilities is to encourage the expansion of the council’s influence in Africa through the promotion of peace and security initiatives.
The 15 member states want Kenya to officially submit a request to the African Union (AU) General Assembly to consider designating the organization as an AU-specialized agency on small arms and light weapons.
Interior CS Kindiki Leads Small Arms Fight in Great Lakes & Horn of Africa
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