Somali, Borana agree on Isiolo peace deal to end bloodshed
Cows grazing. Pasture is the main source of conflict between Somali and Borana pastoralists in Garissa and Isiolo counties. The two communities agreed to embrace peace after a meeting organised by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission on November 4, 2017. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- For more than five years, the Borana and Somali have had conflicts over pasture.
- They agreed to consult each other on grazing lands to prevent conflicts.
Two warring communities in Garissa and Isiolo counties have agreed to end perennial conflicts that have resulted in deaths and destruction of property for more than five years.
Political leaders and elders from both the Somali and Borana communities and their members agreed to implement resolutions made during the day-long meeting on Saturday that was organised by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission in Garbatula, Isiolo County.
PREVENT BLOODSHED
Lagdera MP Mohamed Hire Garane said both communities have realised there is a more unifying factor and ‘small issues’ that have resulted in bloodshed in the past could have been amicably resolved.
One of the peace resolutions reached is destroying illegal business structures in some parts of Isiolo County allegedly built by people from Lagdera, Garissa County.
The legislator said the communities have resolved to seek each other’s consent when looking for grazing lands to avoid conflict.
“We have agreed livestock should vacate areas within 14 days of rains at grazing areas of their neighbours. They have also resolved to adhere to other agreements made in previous peace meetings,” he said.
PEACE
Mr Garane said political leaders from Isiolo and Garissa counties are willing to work together to stop fights and killings.
The MP said they would review the resolutions in two weeks, as elders from both communities preach peace.
Isiolo Woman Representative Rahma Dida Jaldesa termed the peace meeting a “hallmark”, saying such meetings would resolve conflicts and enable communities to live in harmony.
Ms Jaldesa said area politicians from across the political divide have been working with the NCIC to preach peace and unity.
CONFLICT
“We are telling our people to embrace peace because we have many factors that can unite us, including hardships. Let’s be committed to end hostilities,” she said.
NCIC commissioners Morris Dzoro and Hassan Mohamed and Isiolo South MP Abdi Koropu Tepu were also at the meeting.
Mr Dzoro said most conflicts in pastoralist areas are about grazing lands.
