IMPACT OF TERROR ACTIVITIES ON WILDLIFE, ENVIRONMENT & PEACE

The insecurity which has remained a source of confusion among the residents of Mandera County due to sporadic attacks from Alshabab is also having huge ramification on the wildlife, environment and wanton destruction of telecommunication networks and water tanks along the borders.

It never captured the attention of many including the relevant authorities but must be known for record that, Alshabab terror networks have preying on antelopes and other wild animals for their survivals in the bushes. They also cut Trees and burn forests to divert the attention of the people especially the electricity poles burnt. Few will choose to focus on the negative impact of these terrorist attacks on the environment but it must get the hype it requires to take action.

Apart from human loss, the insurgent have destroyed forest cover and wildlife habit. NGBM volunteer team, appeal to KWS and other relevant authorities such as Ministry of environment, wildlife and tourism to consider the protection of wildlife and the environment from Alshabab's interferences. We highlight this issue based on report which emerged that insurgents have destroyed the flora and fauna while they known to hide themselves in the thick bushes or forests and two lions cannot share the same jungle, one must be a victim of elimination. So is Alshabab terrorising the environment and wildlife habitat which contributes to climate change? The terrorists engage in illegal ivory trade for funding of terrorism activities. Previously, in Kismayu Alshabab depended on charcoal business but KDF take over of the Kismayu port reduced their influence over deforestation which affects global warming in the world.

Terrorism has negatively impacted on tourism, investments and economic downturn for Kenya and the rest of the world.

NGBM team acknowledges that it will be difficult, though possible, to achieve this target if the frenzy of wildlife poaching continues. The malicious impact of terrorism makes people's lives more expensive; it erodes local residents confidence and security credibility. Let us introspect and ask what we have contributed to make life better, our environment better to live and conducive for our future generations? Let us take a pledge to not to destroy what we can't create and make life better for every life form. Help to spread the words as your kids and their future generation to be able to cherish the natural heritage and ecosystem is preserved just like it is meant to be.