Former Garissa Governor Ali Bunow Korane, who previously served as special envoy to the Horn of Africa under former President Uhuru Kenyatta to coordinate regional peace and reconciliation efforts, has appealed for an immediate end to hostilities in Moyale as the conflict enters its third week.
In a statement, Korane said the violence had caused loss of life, destroyed livelihoods and disrupted the peaceful coexistence of neighbouring Oromo and Somali communities. He explained that he had deliberately delayed speaking to avoid adding to the “noisy exchanges” surrounding the crisis.
“What Moyale needs at this moment is not further rhetoric, blame or inflammatory statements, but leadership, restraint and a genuine commitment to peace,” he said. “Neither community can secure a prosperous future at the expense of the other.”
He urged all parties to cease hostilities, exercise restraint and embrace dialogue, stating: “There can be no meaningful victory in a conflict that leaves neighbouring communities divided, lives lost and generations burdened by mistrust.”
Korane called on the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments, the Oromia and Somali regional administrations, IGAD, the EU, the UK and other partners to support credible mediation that addresses root causes and prevents recurrence. Drawing on his past experience in regional peace efforts, he offered to contribute to any genuine initiative to restore peace in Moyale.
The clashes, which began in mid-October after a dispute over the raising of a Somali regional flag and the killing of a 13-year-old girl, have displaced more than 50,000 people into Kenya.
Source: Kulan Post
