• 6 comments
• Print
• Email
• Tweet
• Reset

After the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) launched Operation Linda Nchi in October to push al-Shabaab out of Somalia, KDF spokesperson Major Emmanuel Chirchir began using social media website Twitter to post updates about battles and Kenya's intentions.

Although al-Shabaab already had an online presence via its radio and television broadcasts, it began using Twitter in December, often posting information to counter Chirchir, sometimes addressing him directly.

Sabahi met with Chirchir to discuss Kenya's mission in Somalia, which was recently integrated under the African Union Mission in Somalia, and how social media plays a role in combating al-Shabaab's message.

Sabahi: Can you briefly give an assessment of the KDF's operation in Somalia against al-Shabaab?

Major Emmanuel Chirchir: The KDF has managed on the geopolitical level to renew focus on Somalia with a strategy of enforcing peace, followed by a political process in areas liberated from al-Shabaab. This political process has been the most critical gain thus far. For Somali people in liberated areas, we have managed to foster hope now that the environment is free from the fear of terror. Somalis in liberated areas have engaged in economic activity without fear of profits being taken by a faction that does not invest back in them.

On the Kenyan front, the KDF has managed to restore its border integrity and diminish the threat posed by al-Shabaab. The al-Shabaab network and cells in the country have been suppressed to an extent through the Operation Linda Nchi, allowing free movement of people in the country.

Sabahi: You have been using Twitter to give updates on the on-going security operation by the KDF. Can you tell us what prompted this move, whom you hope to reach and what you hope to achieve with your tweets?

Chirchir: Al-Shabaab has established itself in the cyber ecosystem, where it has propagated its agenda. Most of its postings have been propaganda designed to portray the outfit as a lethal force.

By moving to the same platform, the KDF managed to sell its own agenda. Most of the KDF's posts involve its battle successes, which have shown al-Shabaab to be a weak force with no fighting skills. We have used the same platform as al-Shabaab to undermine its agenda. Establishing our presence and command in cyberspace was critical for us in fighting the enemy.

The target audience was the Somali community, especially in the diaspora, as Somalia is a word-of-mouth community where information spreads through conversation. The other target audience is the Kenyan population. Kenyan support has been critical, and the use of social media in Kenya is on the rise. Sharing information through such channels, including Facebook, has been positive for the KDF.

Other audiences include al-Shabaab, where we broadcast our gains and hit the minds of its fighters blow by blow. Through journalists we have managed to reach the entire world based on our Twitter account.

Sabahi: On average, how much time do you spend on Twitter each day?

Chirchir: I am always on Twitter. I will log in by 6:00 a.m. to see what al-Shabaab is posting and what its focus is, which prepares my messaging for the day. I will go to sleep at midnight after checking their handle and those of their sympathisers. My messaging usually consists of updates of battles and countering any negative information. I spend a good amount of time on the Internet.

Sabahi: In December, al-Shabaab also opened an account with Twitter. Some observers feel their English tweets indicate that al-Shabaab is attempting to attract an English-speaking audience, not necessarily Somalis. What do you think?

Chirchir: That analysis is valid, as al-Shabaab has recruited far and wide, including UK citizens. They join the organisation with their strengths and talents, which they quickly employ in the fight. The choice of English as a language of communication is basically to gain readership around the globe.

Sabahi: Can you give us any examples of Tweets al-Shabaab published that were proven false?

Chirchir: There was a report that a KDF fighter jet had been shot down, which was not true. Al-Shabaab also said it had destroyed a Kenyan Navy ship, which was also untrue. There have been so many falsifications.

Sabahi: What, in your assessment, are the strengths and weaknesses of using social media networks to inform the public in a war situation?

Chirchir: Social media is almost instantaneous in information distribution; traditional channels play catch up on information items. Most of our followers on Twitter, for example, are journalists, and updates allow media sources to plan reports. It also allows radio reporters to call early for recording an incident, print journalists to book space early, etc.

Sabahi: How has al-Shabaab's merger with al-Qaeda affected the social media effort and the military operation?

Chirchir: We have felt no change at all. KDF social interaction has created objective followers who are quick to point out al-Shabaab's negative efforts and inform the rest of the public. Therefore, al-Shabaab's information remains ineffective.