Leaders from Mandera County held a crucial two-day peace meeting in Banissa Subcounty following a series of violent clan clashes that have recently plagued the region. The clashes, which initially erupted in a village on the Ethiopian side of the Kenya-Ethiopia border, quickly escalated, spilling over into Banisa in Mandera County.
The violence, which occurred on multiple occasions this week, has tragically resulted in the loss of lives, heightening tensions among local communities. The leaders, deeply concerned by the escalating situation, met with the local community to address the urgent need for peace and to seek solutions to prevent further bloodshed.
Banisa Deputy County Commissioner Hesbon Kayesi, who played a key role in the discussions, urged the residents to prioritize peace and coexistence. He specifically called upon the village elders to take a more proactive role in quelling the tensions and maintaining peace in their respective areas.
“The ongoing clashes have severely disrupted daily life across various subcounties,” said Commissioner Kayesi. “People are now afraid to travel freely due to the constant threat of attacks. We cannot allow this situation to continue. Anyone found to be participating in these clan conflicts will be treated as a criminal and will face the full force of the law.”
The meeting, attended by community leaders, elders, and local residents, marks a significant step in the efforts to restore calm and order in the affected areas. The leaders expressed hope that through dialogue and mutual understanding, the violence could be brought to an end, allowing the community to rebuild and move forward together.
The situation remains tense, but the peace meeting has been seen as a positive development, offering a glimmer of hope for a lasting resolution to the conflict. Local leaders vowed to continue their efforts to promote peace and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.
