Civil Society Group Pushes for Peaceful Coexistence Among Clans in Mandera
A coalition of civil society organizations has launched a major initiative to foster peaceful coexistence among clans in Mandera County, aiming to heal long-standing inter-communal rifts that have often led to conflict. The groups are engaging elders, women, and youth from various communities in a series of peace dialogues and reconciliation forums. The initiative seeks to address the root causes of tension, such as competition for resources and historical grievances, which have been exploited by criminal and extremist elements to destabilize the region.
The program focuses on building trust and promoting a shared identity as residents of Mandera, moving beyond clan affiliations. Through workshops and community meetings, participants are encouraged to openly discuss their differences and work towards mutually beneficial solutions. A key message from the organizers is that sustained development and prosperity in the county are impossible without a solid foundation of unity and peace among its people.
Local leaders and religious figures have thrown their weight behind the initiative, acknowledging that top-down security measures alone cannot guarantee lasting stability. The civil society groups plan to roll out joint economic projects that will require cooperation between clans, thereby creating practical incentives for peace. This grassroots-driven effort is seen as a critical complement to government security operations, offering a sustainable path toward a more harmonious and secure Mandera.