How to Build Peace in a Region Once Beset by al Shabaab

The Somali-based terrorist group al Shabaab has launched some devastating attacks in Kenya over the last decade. One way that al Shebaab fighters are abler to enter Kenya undetected is through a lush forest along the coastal border of Kenya and Somalia. This is called the Boni Forest. It is a rich ecosystem, but its geography and location makes it an ideal hideout for al Shebaab.

In 2015, the Kenyan government launched a military operation to rid al Shebaab from the Boni Forest region. However, their tactics were heavy handed and ended up hurting the local population and therefore undermining the government's strategic goals.

That was until Judy Kimamo got involved. She is the Kenya director of the international peace building NGO, Search for Common Ground. Judy Kimamo lead an effort to bring various stakeholders around the table to create a grassroots strategy for peace, security and development in this region.

That was in 2017 and today, the region is far more secure, peaceful and pros…