In a very recent report, the UN said that in neighbouring Kenya, the extremist group’s influence is felt through a range of attacks, including improvised explosive devices, kidnappings, and raids, particularly in counties bordering Somalia.
Taking cognizance of the threat perceptions in Somalia, the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday voted to extend the mandate for the African Union’s peacekeeping force in Somalia until December 31, 2026. This force, which includes 11,826 personnel, plays a key role in stabilizing the country amid ongoing threats from al-Shabab.
The al-Shabab extremist group continues to pose the greatest immediate threat to peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region, including neighbouring Kenya, U.N. experts warned in a report released Wednesday.
In a very recent report, the UN said that in neighbouring Kenya, the extremist group’s influence is felt through a range of attacks, including improvised explosive devices, kidnappings, and raids, particularly in counties bordering Somalia. The report revealed that al-Shabab has averaged six attacks per month in Kenya this year.
The panel also raised concerns over the growth of the Islamic State’s presence in Somalia, noting that although smaller than al-Shabab, the group’s expansion poses a significant security threat to the region.
