Key lessons on how not to fight terrorism

[JUAN MANUEL]

Ushauri kwenda kwa vyombo vya usalama katika kupambana na Ugaidi.

Key lessons on how not to fight terrorism
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No! They are calling for new coalitions, using the same script. Countries such as ours risk similar consequences if we adopt the same script. Shooting down suspects in broad daylight, closing down Islamic schools, arbitrary arrests and profiling of Muslims, collective punishment and similar actions only help to alienate the community and radicalise the youth.

The recent shutdown of immigration offices in Garissa is a similar action that punishes the residents of North Eastern who are the biggest victims of terror attacks in recent years. It is surprising that even after the change of guard at our intelligence headquarters, it is aluta continua in our security strategies.

I do not know why the President prefers military men in these appointments at immigration and intelligence offices but it is likely that we shall continue to see more of brute force than reliance on intelligent investigations. We must be wary of actions that undermine the constitutional rights of Kenyans and are inimical to the equality of all Kenyans before the law.

We must be smart on the war on terror to avoid collateral damage that will take all of us down in the long term. And there are plenty of lessons around to learn from.

Source: standardmedia