Scaling up insecurity? Risks of the UK's persistent engagement strategy in Kenya and Somalia

The UK government’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy has signalled a larger UK military presence in the Horn of Africa. Yet with mounting evidence on the failures of a military-first approach, it is important to consider the risks of sending additional troops and the effect this could have on people’s lives.

This briefing investigates how the UK could contribute more effectively to peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. We interviewed people in civil society from Somalia and Kenya, along with independent researchers, human rights activists, military personnel and government officials based in the region. The research builds on extensive work by Saferworld’s Kenya and Somalia teams in exploring alternative approaches.

The briefing highlights three recommendations for the UK government to consider:

• Training must consistently incorporate a people-centred, human rights-based approach which acknowledges the links between gender, violence and conflict.
• Any military deployment must follow a development-led strategy, with a focus on addressing the root causes of conflict.
• The UK government must also be transparent about military deployments, with meaningful parliamentary oversight and accountability.

Read the briefing here.

Read more about our work on the UK.

Read our related reports: 'Different strategy, same mistakes? The UK persistent engagement strategy' and 'Playing with matches? UK security assistance and its conflict risks'.

Read the infographic briefing: 'Persistent Engagement', Persistent Risk: The impact of UK security assistance on rights and peace'.