Elders from North Eastern region have raised fears over an influx of refugees in the country caused by rising tensions in the Horn of Africa over the independence of Somaliland.
Over the past years, the contention on the independence of Somaliland has caused diplomatic incidents, especially between Somalia, Kenya, Egypt and Ethiopia.
Somaliland, which has not received any international recognition, declared its independence from the rest of Somalia in 1991, following the collapse of the then military government led by the late dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.
Currently, Somalia and Ethiopia are engaged in a diplomatic row over a deal signed in January this year, between Ethiopia and Somaliland for a 50-year lease of a Red Sea port to set up a naval base from Somaliland, in exchange for possible recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
Somalia views this deal as an assault on her sovereignty and territorial independence.
In Kenya, the elders from the North Eastern counties which border Somalia, have alleged that the Somalia’s military are already moving closer to the borders and worry that if the situation is not arrested, more refugees will flood into the country which is currently grappling with a high number of refugees.
The elders, who were speaking in Garissa, noted that the region cannot sustain more refugees especially with insecurity and resource-based conflicts caused by the presence of refugees.
Osman Ibrahim Abdi, an elder and the Dadaab sub county Peace Chairperson, said that as elders, they have witnessed insecurity over the past especially the Shifta wars and how the 1991 rebellion in Somalia affected those in the north eastern region.
“There is a saying in our community that, before something gets to you, report. We want to ask the President to intervene and bring the leaders together so that they resolve the issues before they escalate further to our country,” Abdi said.
“We do not have to see more people being displaced and become refugees due to issues that can be amicably resolved. The leaders of Somalia and Somaliland should prioritize peace and solve their issues,” he added.
Dekow Mohamed Duale, said that as the border communities, they are worried that if the tensions continue to rise, there can be a spillover to the Kenyan side where they will also be affected.
They now want the government of Kenya to negotiate peace deals between the countries and find an amicable solution for all the parties.
By Erick Kyalo
