Leaders and officials from Isiolo, Wajir, and Garissa counties convened an inter-county security meeting to discuss how to deescalate tensions over the shortage of water and pasture due to the prolonged drought condition in the region.
The meeting which was organized by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in partnership with the State Department for Interior and National Administration, brought together security personnel, local government leaders and community representatives from the three counties.
The main discussion point was how to prevent conflicts over resources resulting from the migration of a larger number of livestock to Isiolo County.
According to the officials, the drought that has severely affected the arid and semi-arid lands has made pastoralists move in search of water and pasture which has increased pressure on the resources that are already limited and raised the likelihood of inter, communal clashes.
Participants agreed that security operations should be coordinated, livestock should be allowed to graze together and early warning systems should be put in place to curb tensions.
Furthermore, the local leaders stressed the significance of community dialogues and collaboration, they told the pastoralists to follow the agreed migration routes and grazing regulations to avoid conflicts. The security agents were required to strengthen surveillance and be able to respond quickly to the trouble spots that have been identified.
NDMA officials emphasized their commitment towards working with county governments as well as national security agencies in order to mitigate the humanitarian and security impacts of the drought. Along with efforts to promoting peaceful coexistence and protecting the livelihoods of people in the drought, affected areas, the work goes on.
