Mandera County hosted a significant cross-border meeting involving representatives from Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia.
The primary objective of this gathering was to evaluate and invigorate the Conflict Prevention, Management, and Resolution (CPMR) platform and reinforce the existing peace infrastructure.
The meeting served as a vital forum to address emerging issues impacting peace, security, and socio-economic development.
Comprising 60 delegates, the meeting predominantly centred around regional development discussions and the exploration of strategies to enhance joint interventions and strengthen collaboration.
Following the meeting, participants unanimously agreed on the imperative need to bolster cross-border coordination and collaboration efforts, outlining actionable steps towards this shared goal.
Mandera County Commissioner Amos Mariba highlighted a significant outcome of the meeting: that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) would facilitate capacity building and raise awareness among residents regarding the cross-border trade framework and trans-human protocol, designed to facilitate the smooth movement of people and trade.
Furthermore, the delegates reached an accord, emphasising that each member country would support and facilitate the movement of emergency humanitarian and medical services.
Mandera Deputy Governor added that cross-border administrations pledged to engage their respective member states and IGAD to expedite the construction of the bridge at Malka Suftu (River Dawa) and the opening of the Kenya-Somali customs border.
Situated in the Mandera Triangle, where Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia converge, this dynamic region serves as a pivotal corridor and commerce hub for trading, essential for the sustenance of the Horn of Africa.
The CPMR initiative is poised to create awareness and foster collaborative dialogues among member states Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
By Adan Mohamed
