This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, Kenya has taken a crucial step in containing the virus by closing its borders with Tanzania and Somalia. The move, which was announced last week, has been met with mixed reactions, but experts argue that it's a necessary measure to prevent the further spread of the virus and combat terrorism.
The Kenya-Somalia border, in particular, has been a concern due to the presence of violent insurgents who have taken advantage of the porous border to target communities living near the border. Terrorists have also crossed the border into Kenya, staging kidnappings and other criminal atrocities before escaping back into Somalia.
By closing the border, Kenya aims to limit the cross-border transmission of COVID-19, as well as terrorist incursions, particularly in the north eastern frontier counties of Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa. The closure will also help to check the spillover effects of the raging internecine conflict in Somalia into Kenyan territory.
Experts argue that the closure of the border will significantly boost prevention and countering violent extremism (PCVE) in northern Kenya. This is because terrorist insurgents in Somalia have built an extensive cross-border network of terror and extremism targeting youth for radicalization and recruitment to fight in Somalia and carry out attacks within Kenya.
While the existing ban on large public gatherings due to COVID-19 has denied terrorists the opportunity to attack innocent communities, restrictions on movement due to COVID-19 are having adverse socio-economic impacts, such as loss of jobs and livelihoods. This, combined with curtailment of social, cultural, and religious activities, is likely to fuel local grievances that extremists may seek to exploit to advance their sinister agenda.
Therefore, it's essential for communities living along the border to complement the work of security agents by increasing vigilance against extremist networks. Creative approaches, such as using social and broadcast media, as well as promoting community awareness, are also necessary to counter extremist narratives and promote awareness of the health and security benefits of closing the border.
