Kenya, Algeria In Counter Terrorism Pact

The two countries agreed to jointly combat terrorism and work at peace building in their respective regions with Kenya being tasked with the responsibility of championing for peace in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region while Algeria will do the same in the North Africa and Sahel frontiers.

The agreement was reached during President Uhuru Kenyatta's three-day state visit to Algeria.

President Kenyatta and his host, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, committed to deepen bilateral security co-operation to combat the full spectrum of terrorist threats, to enhance the security of their citizens and the entire continent. They condemned terrorism and reaffirmed the need for joint and concerted effort to disrupt and degrade transnational terrorism.

They voiced support for African Union decisions on the prohibition of payment of ransom for releasing hostages and condemned this practice, which contributes to financing terrorism.

“We had the opportunity to review the status of cooperation in different fields, and to assert our commitment to further enhancing them, by establishing mutually beneficial cooperation programmes, including strategic consultations, sharing of intelligence, stronger defence, security and economic partnerships, in the best interest of the two countries,” said Kenyatta.

CONTINENTAL STABILITY

The Heads of State noted that they shared same views on a wide range of regional and international issues and recognized the important role that both countries play in promoting peace, stability and security in their respective regions and on the African continent. They agreed to share information and consult more on regional and global issues.

“The visit reflects the interest of both Heads of State in strengthening the bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries. It also expresses the common will of both leaders to give new impetus to Algeria-Kenya relations,” said CS Amina Mohamed of the visit.

President Kenyatta commended the international mediation efforts led by Algeria with a view to reaching a final and lasting settlement to the Malian crisis.

He welcomed the signing of the Declaration of Parties to the Algiers Process on February 19, 2015.

The two Presidents emphasized the need to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of the country and called on the international community to support Mali’s social and economic development.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

President Kenyatta briefed President Bouteflika on the situation in South Sudan and the progress of the IGAD-led peace process in Addis Ababa.

The two leaders appealed to the international community for humanitarian assistance needed to alleviate the suffering of over two million internally displaced people in South Sudan.

President Kenyatta also briefed President Bouteflika on the situation in Somalia.

Kenyatta further held talks with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and Mohamed Larbi Ould Khelifa, the Speaker of the People’s National Assembly.

President Uhuru Kenyatta jetted back to the country on Thursday night and was received by senior government officials led by Deputy President William Ruto.

By Maureen Murimi