MANDERA – Garre and Degodia communities have agreed on a series of peace resolutions following a two-day joint meeting to de-escalate tensions and restore calm in Banisa Constituency.
The dialogue was prompted by recent violent incidents including a deadly attack in Muruthow location, Malkamari Division, where gunmen opened fire on a group of civilians, resulting in the deaths of six people.
The victims belonged to the same extended family, all from a single household, underscoring the heartbreaking magnitude of the tragedy.
The consultation brought together elders, political leaders, and community representatives to resolve long-standing conflicts.
Mandera Senator Ibrahim Ali Roba, who read out the resolutions on Saturday, hailed the agreement as a significant breakthrough in efforts to promote harmony and understanding between the two pastoralist communities.
One of the key resolutions involved the killing of Ugaas Shuqra’s daughter, a sensitive matter that both communities resolved to address through a truth-affirming oath.
The ceremony, scheduled for May 24, 2025, will involve swearing on the Holy Quran as a way of bringing closure and fostering mutual trust.
The two communities agreed to hold a joint planning meeting in Mandera town on May 26, 2025, led by the Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, to create a structured plan for settling compensation claims and outstanding blood money disputes. This measure is intended to reduce tensions and prevent future cycles of retaliation.
In a gesture of accountability, the Garre community accepted responsibility for two recent attacks in Banisa and Burashum.
To manage such conflicts moving forward, a communal conflict resolution mechanism will be put into effect starting May 12, 2025.
However, clarity was also provided on an earlier incident in Burashum where an individual was killed as investigations revealed that the fatal shot came from government security forces, thereby absolving the Garre community of blame in that particular case.
The peace resolutions also emphasized the importance of effective coordination in managing sub-county security.
“From now on, all matters related to local security will be handled through Mandera County’s political leadership structure to ensure swift and unified responses,” read part of the communique from the meeting.
Security agencies have been tasked with arresting and prosecuting those found culpable in accordance with the law.
“Furthermore, both communities committed to submitting the names of individuals involved in the recent violent incidents to the relevant authorities by May 18, 2025,” noted the peace pact read by Senator Roba.
A firm commitment was made by both communities to uphold peace and avoid any actions that might lead to further violence.
Senator Roba urged all parties to honor the resolutions and remain united in the quest for lasting peace.
He also called on security agencies to act promptly on the intelligence provided and stressed that community cooperation is crucial for sustained stability.
The resolutions mark a hopeful step forward for Banisa Constituency, an area often plagued by intercommunal strife.
Mandera County, located in northeastern Kenya and bordering Somalia and Ethiopia, has experienced recurring communal conflicts primarily driven by competition over resources, historical clan rivalries, and political marginalization.
The scarcity of water and pasture in this arid region often fuels tensions between pastoralist communities, especially during prolonged droughts.
These disputes are frequently exacerbated by porous borders, the proliferation of small arms, and weak state presence, which make conflict resolution and law enforcement challenging.
In recent years, efforts by local leaders, peace committees, and civil society organizations have aimed to foster dialogue and reconciliation, but sustainable peace remains elusive without long-term investment in development, security, and inclusive governance.
