Set up in 1991, Dadaab refugee camp is the size of a city
The main refugee camp in Kenya has become a “haven for terrorism” and a “launch pad” for attacks by militant Islamist group al-Shabab, government spokesman Eric Kiraithe has said.
He made the comments in a statement announcing the government’s decision to appeal against a High Court ruling preventing the closure of the mainly Somali refugee camp in Dadaab, near the border with Somalia:
The camp had lost its humanitarian nature and had become a haven for terrorism and other illegal activities. For us as government, Kenya will always come first. The lives of Kenyans matter.
Government will appeal closure of Dadaab in interest of National Security. pic.twitter.com/KL5Z4ukYiw— Spokesperson GoK (@SpokespersonGoK) February 9, 2017
Our interest in this case, and in the closure of Dadaab refugee camp, remains to protect the lives of Kenyans. It is for this reason that we will be strongly appealing the decision by the High Court.”
Most of those who live in the camp fled either famine or conflict in Somalia involving clan militias and militant Islamist group al-Shabab.
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.