‘Al Qaeda, ISIS Are Recruiting In Africa’ – Kenya Raises Alarm

The Government of Kenya, on Wednesday, sought the intervention of the United Nations Security Council, in dealing with “Al Qaeda and ISIS and their affiliates, splinters or copycats” whom it says are expanding recruitment and radicalization in Africa.

Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UNSC, Amb. Martin Kimani, made this known in statement seen by our correspondent, during the council’s Open Debate On Threats To International Peace And Security Caused By Terrorist Acts.

The country is one of the 10 non-permanent members of the council while China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States are the five permanent members.

Kimani said that the council should not buy into the idea that terrorists were normal people but to closely monitor their activities and “adopt tough counter terrorism approaches” thereby stamping them out.

“Finally, Kenya urges the International Community to maintain vigilance against Al Qaeda and ISIL inspired terrorism. These groups are like a threatening shadow laying over the entire world and our collective aspiration to live under a rules-based order.

“They intend nothing less than the destruction of this order. Their ability to project their worldview, and their operational ability to exploit national and local rifts should never be underestimated.

 “Any attempt to treat them as normal political actors is a dangerous misperception of their deep commitment to their cause, and their embrace of temporary ceasefires to advance their positions.

“In Africa, especially in conflict zones, Al Qaeda and ISIS and their affiliates, splinters or copycats are expanding recruitment and radicalization into violent extremism conducive to terrorism,” he said.

In Nigeria, the federal government had appointed new Service Chiefs to rejig the war against terrorism.