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{
    "id": 1192378,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1192378/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 112,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mandera North, UDM",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Major (Rtd.) Abdullahi Sheikh",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker. I stand here to support and second this very important Motion which seeks to deploy the KDF to the East African Regional Force in the DRC. This deployment is very critical. We are well aware that the situation in DRC threatens peace, security and stability of the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and the larger East African region. This is something that is likely to affect our peace here in Kenya. Most importantly is that the DRC is a member of EAC, and therefore, anything happening within that region still spills over to the rest of the region and the whole of Africa. The deployment of the KDF to the regional forces aligns strategically with Kenya’s social interest. It will enhance the country’s ability to respond to threats emanating from the Great Lakes Region. It will also help to mitigate threats to Kenya’s stability and thereby enhancing the security of its citizens. Hon. Deputy Speaker, remember that Kenya has and still participates in a number of peace keeping operations. They have done perfectly well and have been recognised in the whole world. The same has now come back home, and Kenya feels that its neighbour and one of its partner states requires its assistance. Kenya is also a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member, and therefore has an obligation and a mandate to ensure the safety and security of the region. Currently, DRC is in a complex situation. It is home to hundreds of armed groups including the famous M23 rebels. This is likely to affect the safety and security of everyone in parts of East Africa and the Horn of Africa. The conflict in DRC began way back in 1996. It has so far claimed over six million lives and that tells you how difficult it is to operate in that area. However, there is something different about this issue: We have participated in peace keeping operations before but this one is a bit different because we are going to deploy our troops to enforce peace. There is a difference between peace keeping and peace enforcement. Some of the equipment that our troops are going to use will not be the same as what they have used before in other peace keeping operations. They are going to enforce peace in that part of the region. We could be asking ourselves about our interest in this matter. The first interest is that we want peace and stability in the EAC. Secondly, as Kenya, we have interest to ensure that our people who live there and are doing businesses and our banks are safeguarded. If there is stability in DRC, we will equally benefit from the economic activities that will take place once peace prevails. Our Port of The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}