Wednesday September 25, 2024
Elders from Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia gathered at a peace meeting in Mandera County, Kenya, to discuss ways to promote peace and coexistence amid rising insecurity in the region. (Screenshot via KBC)
MANDERA, Kenya (HOL) — Elders from Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia are urging Northern Kenya communities to unite for peace following deadly violence in Banessa that claimed eight lives. Leaders warn that smuggled arms from neighbouring countries continue to fuel the region's insecurity.
Leaders at a peace meeting urged Northern Kenya residents to work with law enforcement to combat small arms smuggling, a key factor behind the region's rising insecurity.
The meeting, led by Major (Rtd) Hussein Abiro, brought together elders from Kenya's Mandera County, Somalia, and Ethiopia to find ways to foster peaceful coexistence among the region's diverse clans.
Abiro voiced concern over Northern Kenya's insecurity, largely driven by arms smuggled from Ethiopia and Somalia. "We must unite to address this issue," he said.
The meeting also highlighted the region's porous borders, from Ras Camboni to Mandera, which worsen the illegal arms trade.
Elders stressed the need for peace to drive the region's development, urging the government to support traditional peace structures like the Council of Elders. "The Council has shaped peace and politics here, including in the 2013 elections," Abiro said.
Leaders argued that military force alone won't solve the crisis. "Peace can't be achieved through force alone. Dialogue and cooperation with community leaders are crucial for long-term stability," Abiro said, urging the government to involve elders in peace efforts.
As insecurity grips Northern Kenya, elders hope that community-driven peace initiatives, with government support, will help restore stability in the region and the broader Horn of Africa.