Kenya will soon mark a decade of fighting al Shabaab in Somalia. This critical discernment of a holistic and multi-sectoral solution is what I guess has even informed KDF’s new formulation of soft power approaches like community engagement as part of its strategy towards extirpating al Shabaab. Broadening and reinforcing the national response to the threat by al Shabaab, especially in the areas of structural changes, community engagement and building resilience, will go a long way in countering violent extremism and radicalisation. Addressing these areas of soft power is highly recommended by key international organisations such as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and the United Nations Development Programme. The end of this decade of war should mean the beginning of serious assessments to firmly shape our fighting strategies and put more emphasis on the use of soft power to defeat al Shabaab once and for all.

Source: The Star September 01, 2020 01:00 UTC