Kenya Seeks Negotiations With Al-Shabaab; Terrorist Group Considers Offer

In the wake of a March 13 attack targeting the convoy of a Kenyan state governor, for which Somalia-based Islamic terrorist group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, Adan Bare Dualle, the Kenyan national assembly majority leader, has asked to negotiate with the militant group to stop any further attacks on Kenyan soil.

Gunmen attacked the convoy of Ali Roba, governor of Mandera in northern Kenya, along the Kenya-Somalia border. While Mr. Roba was unharmed, three police officers and a regional elder were killed, at least six others were injured, and a vehicle was hijacked.

This incident is the most recent of numerous other terrorist acts carried out by Al-Shabaab both in Somalia and neighboring Kenya. The Islamist group has declared a jihad against Kenyan authorities and heavily targeted the country since the beginning of this decade when Kenya started training and fighting alongside Somali troops to fight Al-Shabaab.

It appears that Dualle, who is an important figure in Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government, has had enough of the violence. He has asked Al-Shabaab to stop attacks in Northeastern Kenya, where many Somalis live, and said Kenya is ready to negotiate.

It is unclear what the exact terms of a negotiation would be beyond Al-Shabaab ceasing terrorist activity in Kenya, but the jihadist organization has said it will continue attacks while Kenyan troops remain in Somalia. Dualle told BBC Somalia, “We tell our Al-Shabaab brothers whatever you demand in Somalia is yours, but leave us alone in Kenya.”

Al-Shabaab responded positively to Dualle’s proposal, indicating the group would examine the offer and be open to a dialogue, but only if this negotiation plan was the official position of the Kenyan government. It seems unlikely, however, that potential negotiations would change the situation on the ground for Al-Shabaab or the Kenyan government.