NAIROBI, – Data released by local researchers indicates that collaborative efforts between security agencies and local communities in Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties have led to a staggering 60% reduction in Al-Shabaab attacks over the past year.
This positive trend, documented in a survey conducted by the Horizon Analysts and Researchers Network (HARN), underscores the effectiveness of community engagement in counterterrorism strategies.
From September 2023 to August 2024, the security landscape in these border areas has markedly improved, with a significant uptick in the successful interception of planned terror attacks.
This progress comes in the context of an ongoing conflict in Somalia, where the Somali National Army (SNA), with backing from local communities and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces, has intensified its campaign against the militant group, resulting in a spillover of violence into Kenya.
The HARN report highlights that the collaborative approach has not only deterred Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities but has also curtailed the dissemination of propaganda aimed at recruiting the youth. The once routine flow of extremist materials—both offline and online—has significantly diminished, reflecting a successful local resistance to radicalization.
“This partnership has fundamentally changed the dynamics of security in these regions,” said Mr. Siyad Jimale, the executive director of HARN.
“By fostering trust and cooperation, we’ve seen communities take an active role in their own security, leading to timely information sharing that has thwarted potential attacks.”
In the past, a significant divide existed between the public and security forces, with many community members reluctant to report suspicious activities for fear of reprisals or mistrust of the authorities.
This gap provided fertile ground for extremist groups to infiltrate local populations. However, the recent surge in community policing initiatives and awareness campaigns has helped bridge this divide, creating an environment where citizens feel empowered to speak out against threats.
Local leaders have also praised these efforts.
“We have seen a positive shift in dialogue between our communities and the police,” stated Abdi Hassan, an elder in Wajir County.
“With more community members feeling safe to report suspicious activities, the security agencies have been able to act quickly and effectively,” he added.
While the reduction in violence is encouraging, experts caution against complacency.
“We must remain vigilant,” warned security analyst John Kipkoech.
He added, “the fight against extremism is ongoing, and the factors that lead to radicalization still exist. Continued investment in community engagement and socio-economic development is essential to ensure this decline is permanent.”
Moreover, the recent successes have prompted local governments to enhance their strategies further, including fostering educational programs aimed at the youth, which are designed to provide alternatives to the narratives pushed by extremist groups.
These initiatives aim to not only combat immediate threats but also to address the underlying socioeconomic conditions that can lead to discontent and radicalization.
The collaboration between local communities and security agencies in the counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu exemplifies a successful model in combating extremism.
The region continues to navigate the complex security landscape and the lessons learned from this partnership could serve as a blueprint for other regions grappling with similar challenges.
Sustaining and building upon this newfound cooperation will be crucial for ensuring long-term peace and security in Northern Kenya.
Previously, there’s been a widening gap between the members of the public and the security agencies, a situation that offered the extremist groups the leeway to infiltrate and carry out their activities without detection.
The gap has now been bridged, begetting the security enhancement as far as the border counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu are concerned.
