Leaders and elders from the Garre and Degodia communities met in Banissa for a crucial inter-community peace dialogue aimed at fostering reconciliation and addressing long-standing tensions between the two communities.
This comes after four-weeks of hostilities that claimed several lives in the Malkamare area along the Kenya-Ethiopia border between Garre and Degodia communities.
The meeting, led by Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, sought to find lasting solutions to conflicts that has affected the region.
Governor Khalif reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence through ongoing dialogue and engagement.
“Our focus remains on building unity and ensuring that our communities can live and work together in peace,” the Governor emphasized.
The peace dialogue focused on encouraging open communication and understanding between the Garre and Degodia communities, with both sides expressing a strong commitment to maintaining peace.
After extensive deliberations, key resolutions were reached with both the Garre and Degodia communities agreeing to maintain peace, cease hostilities, and avoid any retaliatory attacks.
They also tasked security teams and local elders to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people and livestock within the region.
The leaders further agreed to community dialogue and mediation to be reintroduced to resolve grievances and prevent future conflicts. While people displaced due to previous conflicts were encouraged to return to their deserted settlements.
During the meeting, leaders stressed the importance of unity in fostering development and ensuring security in Banissa and the surrounding regions.
Mandera County Commissioner Henry Ochako called on elders from both communities to bring any individuals responsible for criminal activities to the authorities.
He urged residents to collaborate with security agencies and provide information on any elements destabilizing peace in the area.
In a show of solidarity, the Sultans of both the Garre and Degodia communities unanimously agreed to adhere to the resolutions made during the dialogue, vowing to maintain peace.
The peace dialogue is part of ongoing efforts by the Mandera County Government and peace stakeholders to ensure harmony and development across the region.
Elders expressed optimism that the agreements reached during the meeting would pave the way for stronger ties between the Garre and Degodia communities, contributing to the region’s social and economic stability.
By Adan Mohamed
