Kenya seeks global cooperation to fight terror

Kenya, which has been extensively targeted by Al Qaeda-affiliate Al Shabaab terror group from neighbouring Somalia, on Thursday called for global cooperation and solidarity to fight the scourge of terrorism.

"Africa and India have both been afflicted by terrorism - an evil that knows no boundary, has no religion, no race and no values and that destroys indiscriminately," the east African country's President Uhuru Kenyatta said while addressing the third India-Africa Forum Summit here.

"It cannot be defeated or tackled by one country or religion alone. We all know, we have all tried. It has to be an object of global cooperation and solidarity," he said.

In 2013, 67 people were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked the Westgate Mall in the heart of Kenya's capital Nairobi. The Al Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the attack.

In April this year, 147 people were killed when unidentified gunmen stormed the Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya. The Al Shabaab again claimed responsibility.

The terror outfit regularly crosses over the border from Somalia to carry out attacks on Kenyan soil.

Kenyatta said that the IFAS provided "a unique platform to rededicate ourselves to the global fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestation".

"New Delhi is the appropriate venue to call for a re-doubling of efforts towards finalisation of a global framework in the war against terrorism," he said.

All 54 countries of Africa were represented in the event with 41 heads of government and state, including two kings, being present.