Kenya leaves abducted Cuban doctors to fate

The government will not negotiate with the abductors of Cuban Doctors for ransom. The Kenyan government had earlier ruled out any possibility of paying a ransom to secure the release of Doctors Landy Rodriguez (a surgeon) and Herera Correa (general practitioner), abducted by Somalia militia while working at the Mandera Referral Hospital last month.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monicah Juma said the government will professionally attempt to rescue the doctors without paying any sum of money for the release of the two doctors. Last week, media reports revealed that Al Shabaab militants suspected of abducting the two foreign doctors were demanding Ksh150 million in ransom.

Community elders had gone to a remote village in Juba land, Somalia, where the medics are believed to be held to try and negotiate for their release.

But in a quick rejoinder Tuesday, during a media brief with the visiting European Union Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, Ms Juma said the policy of the Kenyan government does not allow for negotiation of ransom by abductors.

“The process to secure the release of Cuban Doctors is ongoing. Why would people abduct people giving medical assistance? Even in a war situation this is not imaginable,” the CS said.

On matters cooperation, Amb. Juma said the partnership between Kenya and the European Union is a key pillar of their relationship, which is reflected by regular structured dialogue between the Kenyan government and heads of mission from EU.

She sought the support for Kenya’s bid for the UN Security Council non-permanent seat in the period 2021-2022.

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“I note that Kenya has found a valuable partner in EU in numerous ways including the support for peace and security in our fragile region, counter terrorism. We urge you to support Kenya in listing the Al Shabaab as a terrorism organization under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1267,”she stated.

Mogherini commended Kenya for its role in the pursuit of peace, security and its leadership in driving regional integration adding that this will further enhance cooperation across all areas and particularly on peace, security and trade.