The air in Lokichoggio was thick with anticipation as community leaders, government officials, and peace actors from Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia gathered for the cross-border inter-community peace dialogue. The meeting, held under the EU Borderlands SPREAD program and co-funded by the European Union and Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DANIDA), was a follow-up to the resolutions signed months earlier on July 12, 2024, at Truck Mack Hotel. Here, the focus was clear: reaffirming commitments to peace, addressing emerging issues, and carving a path forward for stability and development among the Turkana, Toposa, and Nyangatom communities.

The dialogue opened with a reading of the historic 14-point resolution, crafted during the July meeting. Facilitated by the Turkana County Government alongside partners like DCA, Safer world, APaD, and others, the resolutions had already sparked hope. Voluntary disarmament, a cornerstone of the agreement stood out as a unifying goal. Leaders from all three nations reaffirmed their pledge to rid their communities of illegal firearms, a step they deemed critical to ending cattle raids and restoring trust.

Deputy County Commissioner Ooko Anyumba resonated deeply with the communities as he spoke. He cautioned against rumors of non-existent cattle raids that, if unchecked, could reignite fear and violence. “We must embrace cross-border resource sharing for peace and prosperity,” he urged, directing chiefs to activate pasture-sharing committees to ensure sustainable use of grazing fields and water points. The directive, endorsed by administrative officers and kraal leaders, underscored Kenya’s commitment to diplomacy, aligning with local and international frameworks like the United Nations Charter.

The significance of community-driven peacebuilding echoed through the voices of many. Chief Officer in the Office of the Governor, Etelej Moses Korea, spoke passionately about the Turkana County Government’s steadfast dedication to fostering peace along the tri-nation border. “The communities have borne the brunt of illegal firearms and insecurity,” he said. “Today’s meeting is a step forward in sustaining the peace we now enjoy.” His sentiments were mirrored by Kapoeta East Commissioner Abdalla Lokeno of South Sudan, who called on locals to embrace alternative livelihoods like farming, which some had already adopted with success.

For the Ethiopian delegation, led by Lokore Areman, unity among the Ateker communities was paramount. He emphasized shared ancestry and language as the foundation for peace. “Whether Turkana, Toposa, or Nyangatom, we are one people,” he declared. “We must fully implement the resolutions and begin with voluntary disarmament.”

Community representatives also shared their feedback, acknowledging the July resolutions as genuine and reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence. However, challenges persisted. The lack of communication networks hindered timely incident reporting, while competition over scarce resources like water and pasture remained a flashpoint. There was a pressing need for infrastructure development, especially access roads connecting remote areas like Loteteleit to Kapoeta South. Women’s voices also called for greater inclusion in peace processes, advocating for social cohesion and influence on policy at both local and national levels.

As the dialogue progressed, the activation of pasture-sharing committees became a rallying point. Leaders recognized these committees as tools to address not just resource conflicts but also broader issues like disease surveillance and natural resource management. Kibish DCC Tom Otieno described the committees as instruments to quench the region’s “thirst for peace,” emphasizing their role promoting cross-border trade, investment, and mobility.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose. Leaders pledged to intensify grassroots peace initiatives, mentor youth in entrepreneurship, and establish structured forums for dialogue. The focus was on empowering kraal elders, youth, and women to lead community-led peace processes. As the session closed, Chief Officer Korea reminded everyone of the collective strength in unity. “When we work together, we can achieve more,” he said. “It’s time to sustain the peace we’ve worked so hard to build.”

The cross-border communities left the dialogue with a clear message: peace is not just the absence of conflict but the foundation for development and prosperity. Through collaboration and determination, they envisioned a future where stability and cooperation would transcend borders, paving the way for a brighter, more harmonious tomorrow.