Fishermen in Lamu. Al-Shabaab militants have also targeted fishermen and tourists. FILE PHOTO | NMG
Kenya has closed its border with Somalia in Lamu indefinitely as security operations against Al -Shabaab militants intensify.
Lamu County Police Commander Muchangi Kioi said the border will only remain open to security
officers.
officers.
The country has also prohibited residents living in the border villages from cross-border trade.
Mr Kioi said those who contravene the directive will lose their business permits and will be arrested.
The
border closure comes barely a week after fishing off the Coast near the
Somalia border were outlawed. Authorities cite increased illegal trade,
including fake goods and human and drug trafficking rise in the area.
The county police chief says officers have been patrolling
Ishakani, Kiunga and Ras Kamboni to effect the ban and that they have
seized 10 bags of contraband sugar and several cartons of milk.
“We
have seized at least 10 bags of illegal sugar of Brazilian origin. They
were purchased from Somalia by residents in Kiunga. It is an offence to
engage in any manner of cross-border trade with those from Somalia.
Apart from security concerns, we are also aware of human and narcotics
trafficking which must stop. It is now a crime the border remains closed
until further notice,” said Mr Kioi.
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