In a bid to address security concerns and foster regional development, a new project has been initiated to reopen official border crossings between Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Over the past few years, these crossings have either been partially or fully closed due to security issues.
During the launch of the project in the border town of Mandera on Thursday, Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasized that the initiative will significantly enhance socio-economic development among the three countries. He stated, “Infrastructural development is stifled by armed conflicts; we must disarm to allow industries to flourish and violence to recede for socio-economic prosperity.”
The project, named “Deris Wanaag” in Somali, which translates to “Good Neighborliness,” is funded by the United Kingdom. It aims to find a lasting solution to the persistent insecurity and instability in the Horn of Africa nations.
While several official border crossings have intermittently closed over the past decade, militants, criminals, and regular migrants have continued to cross borders with relative ease. Last year, the Somali militant group al-Shabab dispatched hundreds of fighters into Ethiopia, only to be repelled by regional forces.
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Jane Marriot, highlighted the strategic importance of the project for Kenya and the broader Horn of Africa region. She expressed, “Despite the numerous challenges you face together, such as drought, resource conflicts, armed proliferation, and terrorism, there is also a tremendous potential for good and positive outcomes. It is our goal for this program to facilitate such progress.”
To eradicate conflicts, the governments involved have committed to implementing various measures, including improving road and water infrastructure networks and enhancing education. Additionally, they have vowed to address the root causes of terrorism through intelligence operations and bolstering manpower at the border to apprehend al-Shabab insurgents.
Kenya initially closed its official border posts with Somalia in 2012 to impede al-Shabab’s movements. The closures affected the Mandera border post, as well as the Lamu, Wajir, and Garissa border crossings. However, earlier this year, Kenya announced the reopening of its borders with Somalia and Ethiopia, signifying a shift in approach.
Somalia’s Minister for Security, Mohamed Ahmed Sheikh, welcomed the project, considering it timely and instrumental in effectively addressing cross-border security challenges. He remarked, “In the spirit of collective solidarity, there has never been a better time to forge a common destiny and jointly participate in this project to tackle cross-border challenges.”
The project launch coincided with the signing of a security compact between Kenya and the United Kingdom on Wednesday, further underscoring the commitment of both nations to promote regional stability and prosperity.
Image Credit: UNICEF Ethiopia/2022
