Youths from Mandera East Sub County have engaged their Somalia counterparts in peace building in the region in a football league organized by business community in Mandera County.
Speaking during the event, Issa Mohamed, a youth leader said they organized a football competition to engage neighbouring Somalia in peaceful building initiative.
According to Issa, the only way to end frequent attack in the border town is by involving youths from both sides in peace building initiative and sports is a perfect avenue use.
Mandera East Assistant Commissioner Solomon Joshua said the area has unique challenges due to its proximity to the border and involving youths in such activities might bring a lasting solution in the area. He lauded the organizers of the league and affirmed the government’s support to such peace building initiative.
“This is a good gesture and government will also support such initiative that brings us together and makes us feel we are one family,” said Solomon.
On his part, former FKF vice President Twaha Mbarak pointed out that this is an important initiative in bringing and building peace among the communities living within the border.
“Sports is an important aspect in peace building, it brings us together and make us feel we are one, let’s support sports to help us build peace in our borders,” said Mbarak.
Mbarak added that government and other stakeholders need to come in and build as well as improve the existing playing grounds in the county in efforts to nurture talents.
Mandera County Chief Officer Sports Abdikadir Adan promised that County government of Mandera will soon roll a one-year tournament that will cover the whole county.
According to Adan, the sports department is targeting youths between 15-26 years of age as they are the most affected by drug abuse in the area.
“We will soon roll out county tournament to engage our youths in different sporting activities, we are targeting youths between the age of 15 to 26 years, the league will cover the entire county,” said Adan.
In the recent past, different institutions have been using sports to curb drug abuse and extremism among the youths in Mandera County.
By Charles Matacho
