On the morning of April 2, 2015, Garrisa University College in Kenya was attacked by Islamic group Al-Shabaab.
The group killed 147 people and wounded many more. Their main targets were mostly Christian students in the school. The Kenyan troops, who usually guarded the school and neighboring areas, were almost 90 miles away near the Somali border. Even though they managed to return and defend the school, they arrived too late to stop a majority of the executions.
I believe the lack of interest by the United States and other countries is what allows groups like Al-Shabaab to commit certain attacks. Kenya has been dealing with this group over the last several years, including a bombing incident during the 2010 World Cup that left many injured. It is not like they have not received worldwide coverage before. Yet, due to their size and number it seems to me most countries do not view Al-Shabaab as a dangerous group like they would, for example, ISIS. I do not want to place blame on the U.S., but I feel like because this attack happened in Kenya, America has ignored the fatalities. If the worldwide spread of terrorism is a major issue, then countries like Kenya should be observed just as diligently. Otherwise, if the problem is not handled soon, larger issues may arise.
According to a release by Ben Brumfield on CNN.com it is likely Al-Shabaab and ISIS could join forces. Brumfield said “Al-Shabaab has already declared allegiance to al Qaida, and has been considering joining ISIS as well.”
However, even with this knowledge the U.S. has not paid much attention to the group, and ultimately does little to help the country Al-Shabaab has harmed. Now Kenya’s military is left combating the group’s stronghold in Somalia, while at the same time defending its own country. Because of that, many citizens in Kenya are starting to worry about the government’s ability to protect them, especially with the military stretched so thin.
Recently, the United Nations has taken action to aid the situation in Kenya by acknowledging Al-Shabaab as a serious threat in society. My question is, why did it have to take the death of 147 people before the UN realized that Al-Shabaab was a problem? Also, if Kenya’s security was already in jeopardy, why was aid not sent earlier to help protect their people?
As Kenya continues to battle the terrorist group, they hope aid will arrive soon. Since the Garisa attack, the military has begun recruiting and training new soldiers. They have also begun using airstrikes to destroy Al-Shabaab camps along the border of Somalia. Still, the fighting is very stiff and the likelihood of Al-Shabaab taking more innocent lives is an unfortunate possibility.
My hope is those left heartbroken by this tragedy will soon find peace and their country will find stability. I hopeother countries, not just America, will group together to provide aid as they deal with Al-Shabaab. Again I will say, what we may consider a minor problem today, could cost us more trouble in the future.
