EAC MUST WORK TOGETHER TO END TERRORISM THREAT

Al-Shabaab militants have developed into a threat to regional peace and security. They no longer operate in their hideouts in Somalia but have spread their tentacles far and wide. The havoc that Al Qaeda affiliates wreak not only affects individual countries but also other East African Community member states.
The militants have proved their flexibility in penetrating other territories and staging deadly attacks that have left many dead and hundreds injured.  With memories of the attacks in Burundi, Uganda and Kenya still fresh in our minds, the region has to take urgent measures to ensure peace and security prevails.
Joint efforts are required to ensure that the Somalia-based terrorists and pirates lose the ability to disrupt regional peace and stability. Pursuing them wherever they are is critical to eliminating the menace.
As security experts have warned, ignoring security threats will have deadly consequences as the groups reportedly recruit locals to stage attacks in their own countries. The case of the Kenyan youth who was jailed recently in connection with a terror attack in his country proves that Al Shabaab is using underground recruitment strategies that are hard to detect.
However, the threat to regional peace and security is not posed by terrorism and piracy only. Beatrice Kiraso, the EAC deputy secretary general (Political Federation), has pointed out that potential sources of conflict are still looming in the region.
Tensions at the borders, election-related violence and the proliferation of arms also pose the threat of insecurity and instability.
Let us not leave the responsibility for peace and security to the military only. Citizens can also play a significant role. The region must move quickly to put in place policy guidelines on counter-terrorism, as suggested by a senior Kenyan security official.
Approving the EAC draft Peace and Security Protocol also promises to be a step forward in containing terror. Strengthening financial and logistical support would equip security organs with the required know-how to fight terrorism.EAC member countries need to invest in an early warning mechanism and strategies to avoid such conflicts.