WILLIAM BURNS, DIRECTOR OF the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), reportedly visited in secret at least two East African nations last week, amidst growing tensions and instability in the region. The trip was confirmed by both the Kenyan and Somali governments after Burns had already returned to the United States.
Reports
indicate that Burns held a high-level meeting on Monday in Nairobi with
Kenyan President William Ruto and Noordin Haji, the director of Kenya’s
National Intelligence Service. The United States Ambassador to Kenya,
Margaret Whitman, was also reportedly present at the meeting. Later in
the week, on Thursday, the CIA director met with Somali President Hassan
Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu before departing for the United States.
The specific details of the discussions
during Burns’ visit remain undisclosed, leading to considerable
speculation. Notably, it is highly unusual for senior American
intelligence officials to personally visit sub-Saharan Africa, as the
CIA typically communicates with the local governments through station
chiefs or American ambassadors. Burns’ in-person visit suggests
compelling reasons for the direct engagement.
According
to some Kenyan news outlets, discussions encompassed the escalating
instability in sub-Saharan Africa, which are stemming from various
sources. These include the ongoing conflict in Sudan between
government-aligned forces and militias loyal to the paramilitary Rapid
Support Forces. Additionally, there is growing turmoil in the Democratic
Republic of Congo after last month’s elections, resulting in the
re-election of President Félix Tshisekedi. Disputes over the election’s
fairness have led to military deployments to maintain peace amid rising
tensions throughout the country.
Washington’s concerns also revolve around
the continuing presence of al-Shabaab in East Africa. Operating in
Somalia, al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked armed group, engages in conflict
with the Somali government and is responsible for several terrorist
attacks in Kenya. The United States currently has around 500 military
advisors in Somalia, supporting the Somali government in its efforts
against al-Shabaab.
Notably, the CIA has not issued an official statement regarding Burns’ visit to East Africa.
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