Report of the Ethio Kenya Cross Border Peace Sports Tournament. 8th 11th April 2010 Moyale Kenya CEWARN IGAD

Transcription

1 2010 Report of the Ethio Kenya Cross Border Peace Sports Tournament 8th 11th April 2010 Moyale Kenya Strengthening cross border engagement through collaborative effort for peaceful coexistence CEWARN IGAD

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary Introduction... 5 Participants...5 Opening Remarks by RC Upper Eastern, Mr. Wenslas Ong ayo... 6 In-Country Consultations... Error! Bookmark not defined.7 Joint Cross Border LPCs Consultations... 8 Soccer Tournament Cultural Show event Closing remarks by the Hon. Tuke Liban, MP Moyale Ethiopia Remarks by the PC Eastern, Mrs. Claire Omollo Apendix 1: List of Participants Appendix 2: Program

3 ABBREVIATIONS CEWARN CEWERU CSOs DC DPC FMs HODI IGAD LPC MP NGOs NRIs OLF PC RC RELPA/ ELMT/ ELTS SALWs Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism Conflict Early Warning and Response Unit Civil Society Organizations District Commissioner District Peace Committee Field Monitors Horn of Africa Development Initiatives Intergovernmental Authority on Development Local Peace Committee Member of Parliament Non Governmental Organizations National Research Institutes Oromo Liberation Front Provincial Commissioner Regional Commissioner Regional Enhanced Livelihoods in Pastoral areas/enhanced/ Livelihoods in the Mandera Triangle/ Enhanced Livelihoods in Southern Ethiopia Small Arms and Light Weapons 3

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN) of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in collaboration with the Ethiopian and Kenyan National Conflict Early Warning and Response Units (CEWERUs) HODI (Horn of Africa Development Initiative) and RELPA/ELMT/ELTS held a cross- border Peace Tournament in Moyale Town, Kenya from 8-11 April The tournament was aimed at enhancing cross border engagement of communities and promote the culture of peace. Youth from Dillo, Dire, Miyo, Moyale-Oromia, and Moyale Somali Woredas from the Ethiopian-side and their counterparts from Chalbi, Marsabit, Moyale and Sololo Districts in Upper East Region of Kenya participated in the event. Nine football teams representing the participating districts were pooled into two groups that held in- country and cross-border football matches. The Moyale -Oromiya team of Ethiopia took first place while the Moyale Kenya and Dire Ethiopia teams took second and third place respectively. The tournament was also enriched by a cultural show whereby young women from participating districts performed traditional songs and dance. A contest was held to determine the face of the Ethio-Kenya Cross Border Tournament. Ms Jillo Sora from Dire, Ethiopia took first place, while representatives of both Marsabit and Moyale Kenya took second and third places respectively. Local peace committee members from the above-mentioned Woredas and Districts also held side consultations during the events. Discussions focused on strengthening cross - border peace structures as well as presentations on current progresses by peace committees. The Local Peace Committees acknowledged and commended the relative peace achieved following the November 2009 Ethio-Kenya cross-border peace meeting and called for the strengthening of cross-border peace structures for sustaining the gains realized during the meeting. The cross-border engagements succeeded in addressing peace through different facets. Youth, women and peace committee representatives were all targeted in the different events, furthering CEWARN s mandate in the promotion of cross-border linkages. The concretization of these relationships will have a direct effect on the institutionalization of peace in the cross-border areas. This cross-border sports Peace Tournament was funded by CEWARN and RELPA/ELMT/ELTS. The Ethiopian CEWERU, Kenyan CEWERU, and HODI were the main organizers of the event. The support and commitment of these institutions in ensuring the event was successful is highly appreciated and acknowledged. 4

5 Introduction A cross-border Peace Tournament between Ethiopian woredas and Kenyan districts was organized on April 8-11 th 2010 in Moyale, Kenya. The event was organized by CEWARN and the CEWERUs of Kenya and Ethiopia in collaboration with HODI (Horn of Africa Development Initiative) and RELPA/ELMT/ELTS. This event is a follow up of a three days cross-border peace meeting held in the town of Moyale in Ethiopia in November 2009 between Kenyan and Ethiopian government officials, CSOs, pastoralist leaders and local peace committees. The main objective of the meeting was to strengthen and link up crossborder peace structures and initiate a process for the establishment of a cross border subregional framework and peace council as provided in the IGAD/CEWARN Protocol. The meeting was jointly organized by CEWARN and the CEWERUs of Ethiopia and Kenya in collaboration with ELMT/ELTS under RELPA. The 2009 meeting recommended some specific action plans for implementation within a period of six months including; Strengthening cross border engagement ; Engagement of women and youth; Strengthening of existing peace agreements/declarations, and; Suggest clear action plans for joint cross-border peace meetings and events. Following the meeting, the CEWERUs of Kenya and Ethiopia conducted in-country needs assessment through their respective NRIs to identify areas of common interest through which they could jointly work towards implementing the above resolutions. The peace tournament therefore becomes a mechanism majorly for the involvement of youth through sports, engagement of women through cultural activities and experience sharing, and also one component for strengthening cross-border engagement. The LPC consultations formed part of a review mechanism of the progress made in the implementation of the 2009, resolutions. They also provided a platform for experience sharing, assessing emerging peace and security issues, and providing way forward for tackling the issues in order to enhance cross-border peaceful engagement and co-existence between communities. 1.1 Participants Participants included Moyale (Kenya) MP Hon. Mohamud Mohamed Abdi, MP. For Oromia region Hon. Hussein Galgalo Boru, MP for Moyale Ethiopia, Hon. Tuke Liban, members of the Eastern Provincial security intelligence committee including the Provincial 5

6 Commissioner, Mrs. Claire Omollo, Borana Zone Administrator Mr. Boru Godana, members of CEWERUs from both countries, CEWARN officials, District Commissioners ( Kenya) and Woreda Administrators (Ethiopia), District Youth and Sports Officials, DMOs (ALRMPII), Local Peace Committee members drawn from DPCs from the participating districts and Woredas, locals peace NGOS and the general public across the two borders (See appendix 1 for comprehensive list of participants). Above: The Chief Guest, Eastern PC Ms Clare Omollo Consulting with the Upper Eastern Regional Commissioner Mr. Ongayo and the Moyale-Kenya MP Hon. Mohamud Mohamed during one of the Soccer Matches. 1.2 Opening Remarks by RC Upper Eastern, Mr. Wenslas Ong ayo Mr. Ong ayo set the pace of the discussion by making the following remarks: Elders in African societies are associated with wisdom; therefore they should guide the youth and government in matters that would promote communal peace and harmony. He noted that the event was coinciding with the commemoration of the Marsabit Aircrash which killed the peace gurus including several government ministers and other senior officials, the area members of parliament and other peace actors. He therefore urged for sustained consultations to maintain the relative peace being currently enjoyed in the area. 6

7 Women glorify heroes yet heroism is always associated with illegal activities, therefore they need to understand that over-glorification of negative cultural activities leads to conflict. Above: The RC with HODI Director Ms Fatuma Abdi Kadir and Security officials inspecting voluntarily surrendered weapons. In order for Peace actors to address aspects that tend to threaten peace such as arrogant behavior, they need to embrace truth and integrity. The cross border peace initiative should make use of peace agreements such as the Moyale Resolution, Maikona Declaration and the Modogashe Declaration. Peace brings dividends such as infrastructural development and good rains. Therefore these initiatives should focus on issues that unite us more. 1.3 In-Country Consultations The purpose of the in-country consultations was to draw action points for deliberation and adoption and implementation by the larger LPC joint meeting. 7

8 Ethiopia Recommendations that were cited during the Ethiopia in-country discussions and not mentioned in joint peace talks included; LPC s should attempt to meet on a regular basis. Currently, LPC s interact when there is a need to address and mitigate an ongoing crisis. Regular LPC interaction would preempt the occurrence of such crisis. The LPC s of Moyale Region 4 and Moyale Region 5 should interact on a regular basis due to the existing tensions between the two woredas. CEWARN FM s should act as cross border intermediaries, and should foster contacts with corresponding Kenyan LPC s. LPC s should be provided with identification documents in the form of letters, ID s etc. LPC s at the lower administrative units (kebelles) should communicate regularly with woreda level peace committees. All representatives agreed to garner secure grazing land during times of drought. 1.4 Joint Cross-Border LPCs Consultations The objective of the joint consultations was to look at the extent of implementation of the resolutions of the cross-border meeting of November 2009 meeting in the past six months looking at achievements, challenges and way forward. The meeting generally agreed to use Oromia and English languages. The deliberations were facilitated by Mr. Tumal Orto (Kenya) and Mr. Nura Dida of the Oromo Pastoralist Association (Ethiopia). District & Woreda presentations in the joint forums; District Achievement Challenges Way forward Remarks Moyale Kenya Reduced cattle rustling Reduced presence of illicit arms through ongoing disarmament exercise Convinced OLF Conflict in Ethiopia increase tension and threat of violence on Kenyan side. The Maikona Declaration not Review of Maikona Declaration to target the Rendile community Joint workshop for larger Moyale and Marsabit DPCs and a Need for enhance capacity building especially on the Maikona, Garissa and 8

9 elements to give up arms and return to Ethiopia Increased participation of women in DPCs Establishment of a cross border peace committee Cross border committee initiatives facilitated the surrender of stolen livestock completely binding since it is based on Gabra and Borana customary laws Incidences of highway banditry between Moyale and Isiolo contributes to conflicts in the region consultative forum involving all stake holders in these Districts including Isiolo North (Merti) and Samburu East to tackle highway banditry. Establishment of cross border peace Committees. Modogashe Declarations Reduced incidences of cross border attacks especially on Ethiopian side Four camels stolen in February 2010 but unable to recover them due to lack of collaboration with Miyo Woreda Limited logistical and financial support hamper the ability of local peace committees to achieve their objectives Marsabit Peaceful coexistence due to regular joint meetings involving Laisamis, (Rendile), Chalbi (Gabra) and Marsabit (Borana )communities to tackle cattle rustling Lack of office space Resource based conflicts i.e. pasture and water related hence increasing tension during drought. Engagement of the Desanach Community in peace building activities Reconstitution of peace committees Joint inter- District DPC training involving the larger Gabra, Borana and Rendile Communities Revalidation of the Maikona Declaration embrace the Rendile community Review and sensitization of communities on the Modogashe Elders decisions in the Rendile Community no longer binding on the youth. Therefore Maikona declaration should be reviewed to target the youth in this 9

10 Unresolved land conflicts between the Gabra and Borana Vastness of the District Influx of Degodia and Ajuran herders from NEP who refuse to adhere to the Modogashe Declaration Declaration Active involvement of DPCs in the disarmament process Planned meetings in strategic places to control cattle theft between Gabra and Dassenach Peace actors on the ground should pull resources to facilitate peace initiatives area Lack of ownership on who takes responsibility for punishing defaulters of the declarations Sololo Effective implementation of the Maikona Declaration Effective working arrangements with Chalbi and Miyo Districts on recovery and surrender of stolen livestock e.g. sixteen cattle stolen in Sololo and taken to Miyo; nine returned so far, seven recovered but yet to be returned because the owners have not yet been identified. Four cattle stolen in 2009 in Turbi. Consultation for compensation delayed due to drought though ongoing between Chalbi and Sololo. Vastness of the area Lack of acknowledgement of the Maikona and Modogashe declaration by the Degodia herders Existence of a pocket for stolen stocks from Sololo and Miyo along the two District borders Formation of cross border Peace committees to strengthen the DPCs A joint workshop for DPCs in the larger Moyale and Marsabit Districts Sensitization on the Modogashe, Garissa and Maikona Declarations Grazing relationship improved due to resource sharing arrangement between Miyo, Chalbi and Sololo 10

11 along Rawan and Warda Chalbi Effective implementation of the Maikona Declaration especially on surrender of stolen stock and compensation. DPC training on SALWs in Wajir in December 2009 which helped accelerate disarmament process in the District Vastness of the area Lack of cross border peace committees Infiltration by herders especially from NEP Strengthening of the cross border committees through training and capacity building Urge the respect of the Maikona declaration Harmonizatio n of Maikona and Modogashe Declarations. Set up grazing management arrangements with Dillo Increase cross border trading and livestock market ETHIOPIA Moyale (Oromiya) Established cross border CEWARN committees with youth and gender balance Successive recovery of stolen stocks Lack of cross border engagement with the Kenyan side of the border Regular meetings between Moyale Kenya and Moyale Ethiopia to strategize on how to stem stock theft Dire Combined cross border committees to bring people together Weekly meetings involving all stakeholders Formed water and pasture management committees which have contributed to free movement of people and livestock across the Isolated incidences of stock theft Continued collaborative effort with the Kenyan side Formation of CEWARN committees on the Kenyan side to strengthen engagements Support for implementation of action plans 11

12 border. Successful recovery of stolen stocks by use of Maikona Declaration Close engagement with the Kenyan provincial administration Dillo Hold regular joint meetings with the Kenyan counterparts Have encouraged intermarriage Miyo Formation of Location and Divisional CEWARN sub-committees Recovery of stolen stocks. Recovered seven cows stolen from Sololo four years ago and surrendered them. Initiated grazing arrangements with their Kenyan counterparts Engaged youth in cross border relationships and sharing of resources during drought Small problems of cattle theft across border Nine herds of cattle recovered but still not yet surrendered because owners are not properly identified Continuous meetings Clear identification of owners for proper surrender of the remaining recovered stocks Moyale (Somali) Functioning crossborder committee that helps in resolving crosscutting issues No CEWARN committees on the Kenyan side of the border to facilitate joint cross-border engagement Constituting of CEWARN committees on the Kenyan side of the border. Women and youth not represented in the CEWARN committees. 12

13 Issues raised in the Plenary Although some Kenyan districts do not have CEWARN local peace committees, this should not affect cross-border interactions. Rather LPC s on the Ethiopian side could utilize DPC contacts to create cross-border peace agendas. The Chariliche kebelle of Miyo woreda was requested to carry out an inquiry into the camels that were stolen from Sololo district. The Miyo woreda representatives stated that they have not yet received any information regarding this matter. The Maikona Declaration which had helped end war in Ethiopia and was imported from Kenya after wider consultations with all communities from Chalbi, Marsabit, Sololo and Moyale. The issue that it is based on Gabra-Borana Customs and therefore not binding to Muslims especially in Moyale is not valid. Since this is a largest community process it should be binding to all and therefore it should not be disrupted since religion is a matter of faith and belief. Remarks by Hon. Tuke Liben (MP, Moyale) All peace initiatives that have been ongoing have posted positive results therefore there is need to move the process forward. The Ethiopian Federal and Regional Governments have seen the Maikona Declaration has worked and therefore support it totally because: It stopped killings in Ethiopia; Has ended Cattle rustling; Has brought good relations between Kenya and Ethiopian governments and border communities; It has not adversely affected any religion in any way; in a nutshell the Declaration should be embraced. All NGOs, CEWARN and National CEWERUs should continue supporting cross-border peace initiatives such as this. All participants should become good peace ambassadors after this tournament. Joint Plan of Action: 1. Establishment & Strengthening of Cross-border Peace Committees. 2. Joint training of cross-border Peace Committees within the next three months. 3. Quarterly meetings of cross-border peace committees to review progress of implementation of action points. 13

14 Above: Mr. Ongayo with Ethio-Kenya Peace Elders and CEWARN and CEWERU Officials 1.5 Soccer Tournament The tournament composed of preliminary in-country matches from which winners and runners-up of each group were selected to join the teams to compete for the first slots. Below is the outcome and awards won: Moyale-Ethiopia winner s trophy and medals (gold) Moyale-Kenya runner s up trophy and medals (silver) Dire - second runner s up trophy and medals (bronze) Over and above the awards mentioned above all teams including Marsabit, Dillo, Sololo, Miyo, Chalbi, Moyale Region 4 were all awarded shield trophies and certificates for participation. Each team was also given a cash token of KSHs 5,000 which was a contribution of the area MP (Moyale Kenya). The Chairman of the County Council of Moyale Kenya also contributed KShs 10,000 to each country s delegation to buy dinner for their respective teams. 14

15 Above: Moyale Ethiopia the eventual winners of the soccer tournament savoring their victory Individual Awards Best goal keeper Chalbi Best defender Marsabit Best mid-fielder- Moyale -Kenya Top Scorer- Moyale Region 4 NB. Two players fought in the middle of the pitch during a match involving Dillo and Miyo Woredas teams of Ethiopia. They were both expelled from the field and put under temporary police arrest. Elders spoke to them while under temporary custody in order to resolve their differences. 1.6 Cultural Show Event The objective of the cultural event was to engage young women youth into peace building activities by show-casing their diverse cultures for mutual peaceful coexistence. Participants were judged based on two categories including; song and dance Modeling/showcasing traditional attire. 15

16 Jillo Sora: Miss Ethio-Kenya Peace laureate being garlanded by RC Mr. Ongayo and Flanked by 1 st and 2 nd Runners up. The winner of the show was from Dire Woreda, Ethiopia, the runners up was from Marsabit, Kenya and the second runners up came from Moyale, Kenya. They were all adorned crowns. 1.7 Closing Remarks by the Hon. Tuke Liban, MP Moyale Ethiopia The MP mentioned the following points; Each individual participant was a winner because of the general success of the tournament. The same spirit of teamwork and desire to win is carried on in the work of peace by the participants who had now assumed the role of peace ambassadors. The organizers should consider hosting the event on the Ethiopian side next year. 1.8 Remarks by the PC Eastern Province, Mrs. Claire Omollo Mr. Ong ayo made the remarks on behalf of the PC who had to leave for Nairobi before the tournament closed due to flight schedules. In her remarks, the PC highlighted the following issues; That the Kenyan government will continue working with all peace actors in the region to sustain the peace. That the tournament would be an annual event as a vehicle for cementing gains made in the peace process. 16

17 Above: The PC accompanied by Moyale Kenya MP Hon Mohamed Mohamud (left) and Moyale County Council Chairman being introduced to Dire Football Team All participants should leave the venue bearing the responsibility of peace ambassadors to their kinsmen and neighbors. Everyone has a role to play to assure peace and good neighborliness. That football is an important vehicle for entry into the most important category in conflict-the youth. Commended the harmony in the area which made it possible for the tournament to be held in Moyale as an indicator that the search for lasting peace in the region has not been in vain. Thanked those who participated to make the tournament a reality and urged them to maintain the same spirit of teamwork. End. 17

18 Appendix 1: List of participants The Kenyan CEWERU Team 1. Ms. Irene Tulel APFO (Country Coordinator) 2. Mr. Kiarie Njuguna NSC/CEWERU 3. Mr. Thomas Odera NSC/CEWERU 4. Ms Silvine Wangoi APFO (Accountant) 5. Ms. Rukiya Abdulrahman APFO (Assistant County coordinator) 6. Ms Fatuma Abdikadir HODI Director The Ethiopian CEWERU Team 1. Hon. Beredid Animut Steering Committee member 2. Hon. Tamru Genbeto Steering Committee Member 3. Hon. Liben Tuke MP, Moyale 4. Mr. Bizusew Mersha CEWARN Country Coordinator 5. Ms. Teemt Berhanu CEWARN Assistant Country Coordinator 6. Mr. Boru Godana Borena Zone Administrator CEWARN Officials 1. Ms. Tigist Hailu CEWARN Public Relations Officer 2. Mr. Abdulrashid Warsame CEWARN 3. Mr. Kalayu Bezabih CEWARN Accountant 4. Mr. Tibebu CEWARN Accountant The Provincial Administration Team 1. Ms Claire Omollo Provincial Commissioner Eastern Province 2. Mr. Wenslas Ongayo Regional Commissioner Upper Eastern 3. Mr. David. K Rotich DC Marsabit 4. Mr. Norbert Komora DC Sololo 5. Joshua Nkanatha DC Moyale Cross-border Meeting Attendance List NAME COUNTRY DISTRICT/WOREDA 18

19 1. Mr. Jacob Lepedo Kenya Marsabit 2. Mr. Kedija Ali Ethiopia Moyale 3. Mr. Jeldessa Gelma Ethiopia Moyale 4. Mr. Achaallo Yohanness Ethiopia Moyale 5. Mr. Wario Abatunna Ethiopia Moyale 6. Mr. Abdi Guyo Ethiopia Moyale 7. Mr. Waqo Qanchara Ethiopia Dillo 8. Mr. Dermi Arero Ethiopia Moyale 9. Mr. Guyo Barruma Ethiopia Moyale 10. Mr. Gufu Doyo Ethiopia Moyale 11. Mr. Hassan Golicha Ethiopia Moyale 12. Mr. Kadiro Geche Ethiopia Miyo 13. Mr. Bilsoo Wariyo Ethiopia Miyo 14. Mr. Jarso Abasenga Ethiopia Miyo 15. Mr. Boru Gelma Ethiopia Miyo 16. Mr. Jatani Godana Ethiopia Dillo 17. Mr. Maalim Adam Ali Kenya Moyale 18. Mr. Halkano D. Suraya Kenya Moyale 19. Mr. Ibrahim Ali Ethiopia Moyale 20. Mr. Abdi Bando Kenya Moyale 21. Mr. Malin Ibrahim Ali Kenya Moyale 22. Mr. Mohamed Guyo Kenya Moyale 23. Mr. Abdi Ali Kenya Moyale 24. Mr. Guyo Karayu Kenya Moyale 25. Mr. Sharu Kalicha Kenya Moyale 26. Mr. Haway Hassan Kenya Moyale 27. Mrs. Fatuma Abduba Kenya Moyale 28. Mr. Damballa Bonaya Kenya Chalbi 29. Mr. Ichako Ibrahe Kenya Chalbi 30. Mr. Wako Kachora Ethiopia Dillo 31. Mr. Katelo Bonbii Ethiopia Dillo 32. Mr. Nuke Dika Ethiopia Miyo 33. Mr. Asna Abdalla Kenya Moyale 34. Mrs. Amina M. Ibrahim Kenya Moyale 35. Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Ethiopia Moyale 36. Mr. Galgalo Guyo Ethiopia Moyale 37. Mr. Ibrahim edris Ethiopia Moyale 38. Mr. Lama Alamayo Ethiopia Moyale 39. Mr. Mumiwa Hassana Kenya Dabei 40. Mr. Waqo Nura Kenya Sololo 19

20 41. Mr. Hassan Said Ibrahim Ethiopia Moyale 42. Mr. Abduba Libein Ethiopia Dire 43. Mr. Had Nuro Ali Ethiopia Dire 44. Mr. Abdula Gomas Ethiopia Dhoksa 45. Mr. Ugas Adow Katebo Ethiopia Nanawa 46. Mr. Mohamed Hussein Ethiopia Moyale 47. Mr. Malow Ibrahim Ethiopia Moyale 48. Mr. Adow Aloo Ethiopia Moyale 49. Mr. Dhalacha Derge Ethiopia Dillo 50. Mr. Hawa Kedir Ethiopia Dillo 51. Mr. Qallichaa Boruu Ethiopia Dire 52. Mr. Waaqoo Jayii Ethiopia Dire 53. Mr. Abduuba Liiban Ethiopia Dire 54. Mr. Waataa Habtee Ethiopia Dire 55. Mr. Tsegaye Bekele Ethiopia Dire 56. Mr. Boru Alelo Kenya Marsabit 57. Mr. Emanuel Bule Mio Kenya Moyale 58. Mr. Denis Guyo Kenya Sololo 59. Mr. Kula Jarso Kenya Sololo 60. Mr. Adan Ali Kenya Moyale 61. Mr. Guyo Tuke Kenya Marsabit 62. Mr. Rashid Karayu Kenya Moyale LPC Facilitators Mr. Tumal Orto Kenya Chalbi Mr. Nura Dida Ethiopia OPA & SC Member 20

21 Appendix 2: Program PROGRAM OF THE ETHIO-KENYA CROSS-BORDER PEACE TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD IN MOYALE (KENYA) ON 7TH- 12 TH APRIL DAY 1, 7 th April, Hours Arrival and Registration of Participants DAY II 8 TH April :00 Hours Opening Ceremony, Consultative forum, setting of ground rules, balloting for Matches DAY III 9 th April Hours Hours Group Matches LPC-members in-country consultations hours LUNCH BREAK hours Group Matches DAY IV 10 TH April Hours Hours Group Matches Joint Cross-border peace meeting by LPC members and local Administrators 21

22 Hours LUNCH BREAK hours Group Matches hours Cultural Show DAY V 11 th APRIL, Hours First Final to determine No. 3 & Hours Second Final to determine No. 1 & Hours Closing Ceremony 22