Al-Shabaab militants. [Photo/Premium Times]
Conservationists and activists in Lamu County have asked the central government to find better and more effective ways to fight the al-Shabaab militants said to be hiding in Boni Forest instead of bombing the forest.
Lamu County Wildlife Conservation Committee chairman Ali Shebwana and members of Save Lamu lobby group said bombing would destroy the forest’s flora and fauna, the Nation has reported.Shebwana said the move will also affect the Aweer community’s way of life as it totally depends on the forest for its livelihood.On his part, Is’haq Khatib of Save Lamu said bombing the forest will not provide a long term solution to the al-Shabaab menace.Khatib said the forest, which is rich in history and crucial scientifically because of its rare plants and animals is also a tourist attraction.The groups spoke to journalists at Mwana Arafa Hotel in Lamu town Wednesday.