War For Peace Book

Description

For the last three decades, Somalia has experienced extreme violence, upheavals and terrorism. This combination has brought about great suffering, misery and destruction to the people of Somalia, presenting one of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian and security crises. Intervention by African forces supported by the international community has changed the political and security landscape in the country. Somalia’s neighbors in the Horn of Africa have particularly made pivotal contributions and continue to commit both human and material resources to restore peace and stability, setting the country on the path to recovery, peace building and reconstruction. It is within this broad context that Kenya, under the auspice of the African Union (AU) and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has committed troops to the African Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council to provide security and support the people of Somalia to stabilize, reconcile and rebuild their country. Significant achievements have been made and positive results registered in returning Somalia to normalcy.

A major contribution to the quest for peace and stability in Somalia comes from our gallant soldiers, airmen and sailors. From a tiny force in the 1960s, the Kenyan Defence Forces has evolved into a world- class military, propelled by the values of pure patriotism, professional ethics and love for their country and for Africa. In my capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, and on behalf of the great people of Kenya, I applaud the huge role our forces continue to play in keeping our nation safe and securing our neighborhood. I am proud of our men and women in the military leadership for creating a modern force suited to the needs of the twenty-first century, ready to stand for peace everywhere in the world.

War for Peace is a unique story that sheds light on one of Africa’s finest soldiers in humanity’s war against terrorism and violent extremism. Our forces have become adept in deploying smart power, which brings the best out of a combination of a well-equipped modern disciplined force and people-oriented humanitarian and development interventions, to empower and win the hearts and minds of local people while isolating and degrading the militants. As you read this book, remember our brave men and women who continue to put their lives on the line to defend our great nation.