Mandera Triangle Initiative Boosts Police–Community Trust Amid Covid-19 Pressures
MANDERA, Kenya — August 15, 2020
Efforts to strengthen police–community relations in Kenya’s Mandera Triangle have intensified as the region grapples with the health, economic and security impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Mandera Triangle — where the borders of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia meet — has long struggled with marginalization, limited infrastructure, and persistent insecurity driven by violent extremism, cross-border conflicts and even recent desert locust invasions. Covid-19 has further strained resilience in the region, especially after governments introduced strict cross-border movement controls.
Reports of excessive force by law enforcement officers enforcing Covid-19 restrictions have worsened tensions between residents and security agencies. Rights-based policing, considered vital in countering violent extremism, has faced setbacks as mistrust deepens.
To address the growing disconnect, the Regional Approaches for Sustainable Conflict Management and Integration (RASMI) program convened a dialogue in Mandera Town in early August. The forum brought together community members, peace committees and security officials to discuss citizen policing, conflict early warning systems and protection of human rights during enforcement.
RASMI officials emphasized that security cannot be left solely to state agencies, noting that partnership with communities is essential in preventing radicalization and crime.
Security is a collective responsibility. We must ensure extremists do not exploit Covid-19 challenges to advance their agenda, said Abdimunim Haji Dahir, a program officer.
Local residents said they are willing to work with police but continue to struggle with mistrust, especially toward non-local officers deployed in the region.
Community support exists, but negative perceptions of security personnel undermine cooperation, said Mohamed Ibrahim, a community policing volunteer.
Mandera’s deputy county commissioner, Mike Wangila, urged residents to share timely and accurate information, assuring them of prompt response from security agencies.
We appreciate community contributions, but timely information sharing remains the biggest challenge, he said.
Following the dialogue, RASMI plans to intensify its work by strengthening community policing units, supporting early-warning systems, and advocating for adherence to police ethics and disciplinary action against officers accused of abuses. The organization will also conduct public sensitization rallies to encourage stronger policing partnerships.
A follow-up dialogue scheduled for November will evaluate progress and guide plans to replicate successful interventions in neighboring Ethiopia and Somalia to improve cross-border security coordination.