CEWARN through the Rapid Response Fund (RRF) provided laptops and motor bicycles to local peace committees in its areas of reporting in both the Karamoja and Somali Cluster sides of Ethiopia.

The materials were provided to local peace committees in Nyangatom and Dassenech Woredas in the Karamoja Cluster as well as Dire, Miyo, Dire, Regions four and five as well as Yabello woredas in the Somali Cluster. The provisions are aimed at facilitating current efforts by the national Conflict Early Warning and Response Unit (CEWERU) of Ethiopia to revitalize and enhance the Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (CPMR) and logistical capacity of Local Peace Committees (LPCs) in both clusters.

Local Peace Committees in these areas deal with logistical challenges on daily basis in terms of obtaining early warning information from remote parts of their areas of reporting as well as communicating the information to their local and national counterparts to elicit response measures. The provisions will thus significantly bridge these gaps and enhance their effectiveness.

Head of the national CEWERU of Ethiopia Mr. Mihreteab Mulugeta provided the materials to administrators of these districts in separate hand-over ceremonies from 30 December -3 January 2012.

The national CEWERU of Ethiopia is undertaking various capacity building measures targeting local peace committees in the country including training in CPMR as well as facilitating linkages and regular interaction with other local partners.

CEWARN Director Dr. Martin Kimani Mbugua and staff held a consultation on ongoing cooperation with representatives of Competence Centre for Human Capacity Development of GIZ from 12-14 January in Bonn, Germany.

The consultations covered an evaluation of jointly implemented programmes so far and areas of cooperation in year 2012 with particular focus on strengthening the CEWARN mechanism’s early warning and response capabilities in new areas of reporting in Somalia and South Sudan.

 Other areas include a review and upgrading of grants management systems under the CEWARN Rapid Response Fund (RRF) and the development of a monitoring and evaluation system. The support is part of a second phase of cooperation between the Competence Centre for Human Capacity Development of GIZ (former InWEnt) and CEWARN from 2010-2012.

The first phase of cooperation between InWEnt and CEWARN was from 2007-2009 and included the development of a comprehensive training manual on Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (CPMR) as well as a related training of trainers’ programme.

CEWARN Field Monitor for Wajir County of Kenya Adan Abdullahi Bare received an award and recognition from the Government of Kenya for his hard work in contribution to the promotion of peace in the country.

The Regional Commissioner of Upper North Eastern Region Mr. Wenslas Ongayo presented the award to him during Kenya’s Independence Day celebrations on 12th December 2011.The award ceremonybrought together District Security Intelligence Committees (DSICs), peace actors and members of the public in Wajir County Headquarters.

Adan born on 12 December 1969 in Wajir County of Kenya is a conflict action researcher with the centre for Peace and Applied Research (CEPAR). He is also an active member of the Coalition for peace in Africa (COPA) and longest serving volunteer with Wajir peace and development agency (WPDA).

His notable achievements in his own words include significant contribution to formation of district peace committees and local peace committees in Wajir County as well as trauma healing and social reconciliation trainings for Wajir North, Madera West and Moyale District Peace committees at Moyale.

 In early 2009, Adan facilitated an advance conflict transformation course for 30 representatives from Somalia Civil societyorganisations in Hargessa, Somaliland.

 In May 2011, he also facilitated Trauma Healing and Social Reconciliation trainings for 270 participants from Benadir Administration and community groups in Mogadishu, Somalia as well as other trainings for Local Peace Committees from Gedo and Jubba regions of Somalia.

This is not the first time CEWARN Field Monitors have received recognition from Government of Kenya for their efforts and contribution to national and regional efforts to maintain and promote peace.

CEWARN Field Monitor Abdi Rahoy received national peace award in celebrations marking international peace day in Kenya on 21 September 20111 by the Minister of Internal Security, Prof. George Saitoti for his outstanding work in contributing to national and regional peace efforts.

EWARN Field Monitors for Karamoja Cluster side of Kenya, Mr. Renson Apakamoi CEWARN Field monitor for North and West Pokot districts and Mr. Alexander Losikiria, CEWARN field monitor for Turkana West District also received Head ofState Commendation from H.E the President of the Republic of Kenya Mwai Kibaki on 12 December 2010 for their contribution to peace building efforts in Kenya.

Through November 2011, all CEWARN staff left the office to join small teams that undertook to engage in an intensive conversation with the communities and peoples in the cross-border areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

The aim was to listen carefully to the priorities, experiences and practices of people in a way that would deeply impact the development of CEWARN’s post-2012 strategy.

The teams were led by experienced facilitators and engaged an estimated 5,000 people in CEWARN’s areas of reporting: the Dikhil region of Djibouti; several districts (woredas) of Oromia and Somali regional states as well as Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State of Ethiopia; Baringo, Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, West Pokot, Samburu, Tana Delta, Trans Nzoia, Turkana and Wajir counties of Kenya; as well as seven districts in Uganda bordering Sudan and Kenya namely: Amudat, Bukwo, Kaabong, Kapchorwa, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, and Moroto.

The conversations were conducted through a facilitation toolkit that was developed by the local facilitators and CEWARN to allow for effective and consistent approaches through a combination of workshops, and structured and unstructured informant interviews in a broad variety of rural and urban settings.

They aimed to reach a deeper understanding of ongoing and emerging dynamics of peace and security as they are perceived and experienced on the local level. The conversations also sought to identify and highlight successful community-led, government-led and CSO-led peace building interventions that CEWARN can meaningfully assist in further strengthening.

While the final reports of this complex exercise are yet to emerge, some key findings are already emerging. These include the need to build the strategy on communities’ time-tested methods of resilience against drought, conflict and other shocks; the extensive need people have for security as a foundation to building and improving their livelihoods and quality of life; the need for simplified application procedures for small grants that can assist local actors in peace interventions; the large number of youth whose need for livelihood opportunities is of direct relevance to peace and security; and the powerful ways in which the environment, resources, migratory patterns, trade, urbanization, globalization and climate interact to drive or mitigate conflict.

These extensive local conversations added depth to CEWARN’s decade-long data gathering and early warning efforts. They demonstrated the areas in which the CEWARN Mechanism’s efforts have been deeply felt by the local people and where they need to be strengthened to better build a sustained peace.

They form an initial and foundational step in CEWARN’s development of a new strategy that covers the period from 2012-2019. The next step will be for the outcome of the conversations to be presented to national-level consultations that will form the basis for regional cooperation in the coming years on issues of conflict early warning and response in the region.

The CEWARN Mechanism’s uniqueness is in combining government and civil actors to work in partnership for peace and also to link local action to national and regional policy impact. The local conversations further entrench the Mechanism’s linking of early warning to locally and nationally relevant responses that ultimately, particularly in the cross-border sense, strengthen regional peace and security.

Building on the recommendations from the Committee of Permanent Secretaries meeting in May 2011 and these extensive local conversations which complement one another, CEWARN is moving toward broadening its peace-serving service to include issues such as food security and climatic and environmental impacts on conflict in the region.

On the part of CEWARN’s staff, the local facilitation has been a bracing experience in seeing how much there is to be done, how transformative the Mechanism can be and how we can partner even more closely with national and civil partners in building a more peaceful and prosperous IGAD region.

Trace the strategy development journey on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/CEWARNstrategy

Also be on the lookout for images and travelogues as well as outcomes of these conversations that will be posted on the CEWARN website.

CEWARN in collaboration with Centre for Basic Research (CBR) and the national Conflict Early Warning and Response Unit CEWERU) of Uganda organized a public lecture on “visioning Peace for Karamoja Region,” on 6 September in Kampala, Uganda.

The public lecture looked at the peace and security dynamics in the Karamoja region of Uganda with particular focus on the districts of Amudat, Bukwo, Kaabong, Kapchorwa, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Napak and Moroto where CEWARN operates.

According to the CEWARN Country Coordinator for Uganda Mr. Joseph Muhumuza who spoke at the seminar, the Karamoja region of Uganda has over the years accounted for the highest number of violent incidents and human deaths compared to neighboring areas in Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan.

This is due to a range of factors that include the high-level of diversity of the region as well as a trend of shifting alliances of convenience among communities. Other factors include challenges in the on-going government-led disarmament programme; commercialization of raids and a unique phenomenon of intra-communal raid in these areas.

He noted that the efforts of CEWARN’s national programme in Uganda including timely alerts and responses have contributed to a significant decrease in the number of raids and human deaths. He added, “while the ongoing disarmament programme by the Government of Uganda has also contributed to bring down levels of violence, there is a need for mental disarmament of communities.”

Hon. Remigio Achia, Member of Parliament representing Pian County later presented on historical factors behind conflict in the Karamoja region. Mr. Achia’s presentation covered the history of neglect, rebellion and military occupation of the Karamoja region under the British colonial period as well as continued isolation of the region in the post-colonial period resulting in a historic mistrust between communities and government.

The current Government of Uganda initiated various programmes targeted towards peace and development in the region focusing on disarmament; food security as well as infrastructural and agricultural development with varying levels of success. While the disarmament programme initiated in 2001 was effective in removing guns from the communities, it has done very little in providing protection to those disarmed.

According to Hon. Achia, some of the key factors that have historically contributed to conflict in the region include loss of significant size of land (up to 40 percent taken by Kenya and South Sudan due to shifting protectorate boundaries during the British colonial rule); severe and recurrent drought as well as availability of arms.The weakening of traditional controls of communities over armed youth and incitement by politicians are other factors cited by the presenter.

He stated, conflict might escalate in the region if communities continue to lose land to various investment projects being initiated including prospecting for minerals in the region. Rising levels of poverty and underdevelopment; instability in neighboring regions across the border as well as inability by the government to protect disarmed communities are other factors cited by Hon. Achia that are likely to continue to threaten peace in the region.

The presentations were followed by a lively debate and discussion among participants that included officials of relevant ministries, members of parliament, representatives of international and civil society organizations as well as academicians and researchers in the field of peace and security.

Some of the recommendations in terms of conducting successful Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (CPMR) in the region which transpired during the discussion include the need for inclusion of youth in CPMR and peace building programmes targeting the region; the need for CEWARN local peace committees to promote cooperation among communities and the government as well as the need to initiate affirmative action for education and employment opportunities targeting youth.

One participant also underlined the need for CPMR efforts to involve climate risk reduction.

Ethio-Kenya Cross-border Youth Sports Tournament

28-31 July 2011

Moyale Town, Ethiopia

Summary of a round-table discussion on the peace and security situation in the Somali Cluster

30 July 2011

Moyale Elementary School grounds in Moyale Town, Ethiopia

Participants were a small group of elders; CEWARN Field Monitors; provincial administration officials from some of the districts that participated in the peace tournament from 28– 31 July 2010 in Moyale Town, Ethiopia. See below a summary of transcribed notes of the discussion.

Is conflict a permanent condition of relations among pastoral communities along the Ethiopia-Kenya border in the Somali cluster? Inter-communal conflicts in these areas have been occurring throughout history although they are not a permanent feature of relations. What has been a cause of concern was the increased frequency and intensity of these conflicts as resources have become more and more scarce. Water and pasture resources have continuously been diminishing on the one hand while there has been a rapid increase in population of humans and livestock. Previously, there was abundance of water and pasture that could support the human and livestock populations in the region. Nowadays, the environment is becoming harsh and affecting living conditions, so much so that there are new trends of intra-clan raids. While drought and related hardship has been seen to bring communities together and promote cooperation in the short-term, it also contributes to increased stress and conflict. This is mainly because drought curtails and disturbs the seasonal mobility pattern of pastoral communities. Furthermore, ethnicism and Political competition as well as contested demarcation of territories in some cases have contributed to aggravating conflicts.

How significant is the role of customary institutions in peace building? Customary institutions of communities in the area such as the Aba Gaddas of Borana and Gabbra make vital contributions to peace building. This is due to their well-entrenched role in the communities’ day to day lives and their position of influence. However, these customary institutions are being weakened by urbanisation and increased modernization which diminishes the previously high-regard accorded to these institutions. On the other hand, there has been recognition and some level of support to these institutions from the government (eg. Government of Ethiopia).

Has the peace and security situation in the area improved in recent years? How are you able to measure the improvement? There has been a lot of improvement in the peace and security situation in the area. This is mainly attributed to the Maikona/Dukana Peace accord that reversed a cycle of intense conflict particularly among the Borana and Gabbra. The communal agreement now embraces wider communities and covers wider areas compared to its initial target. It has been a positive precedent and promoted harmony along the border of the communities –not just the Borana and Gabbra communities. This is evident in the relatively low number of physical violence since the agreement. Its terms promote peaceful resource sharing and cordial relations among communities as opposed to competition and violence. The community agreements have also presented a mechanism to address the threat of violence in the area. Therefore, market is flourishing along the borders of the two countries and movement of people as well as increased cooperation in times of drought.

Are communities adhering to the communal peace agreements? The strength of these communal agreements is they address numerous categories of violent incidents including killings, theft, assault as well as terms on how to address each one of them. The agreements have also – to a large extent- been applied, and contributed to a significant decrease in violent incidents.

What are the key challenges in terms of peace building the area? So far, there has been mostly a reactive approach to conflict prevention as opposed to proactive. It is important that local peace committees are supported to maintain linkages at all times – both in times of peace and conflict. Communal peace agreements are also threatened by external parties which are not part of the peace framework these include the Rendille and Samburu of Kenya and the Teltele and Dassenech of Ethiopia. The vastness of the border area among the two countries is also a challenge as it requires resources as well as a strong communication capacity for sharing of real-time information among local peace committees. Another challenge is the high-turnover of government officials and issues of sustainability and commitment.

What are your recommendations for future peace building interventions in the area? It is important that there are sustained peace building efforts (including peace dialogues, youth sports’ tournaments and related) as well as regular interaction among local peace committees. Peace initiatives should also involve surrounding communities that are currently not part of the framework particularly the Rendille, Samuburu, Dassenech and Teltele. There is also a need to link peace and development efforts such as promoting access to sustainable market. These will be invaluable in terms of addressing livelihood concerns of these communities and decreasing their vulnerability to drought and other shocks. END

The Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CEWARN) of IGAD with the support of USAID/EA and Ethiopia-based private-sector partners, including Great Abyssinia and Ethiopian Airlines, conducted a cross-border sports tournament for youth from pastoral communities along the Ethiopia-Kenya border from 28 -31 July 2011 in Moyale Town, Ethiopia.

The overarching aim of the event was encapsulated in its motto: ‘Play Sports, Live Peace.’

The second of its type, the tournament was anchored in the idea that sports, and the healthy competition that they engender, would serve as a unifying factor that ingrains a sense of fair-play and teamwork in its participants from ten adjoining districts along the Ethio-Kenya border.

The first round that was held in April 2010 involving youth from nine adjoining districts of the two countries with the theme ‘Shoot to Score, not to kill,’ had proven instrumental in promoting peaceful interaction among the concerned communities.

This year’s tournament involved a soccer tournament, a women’s 4km footrace, cultural events, as well as dialogues on specific challenges and existing peace agreements among Local Peace Committees (LPCs).

Participating districts from Ethiopia and Kenya included: Dillo, Dire, Miyo, Moyale-Oromia, Moyale-Somalia districts found the Oromia and Somali regions of Ethiopia as well as adjoining Kenyan districts of Chalbi, Marsabit, Moyale, Sololo and Wajir found in Eastern and North Eastern provinces of Kenya.

These districts are a part of CEWARN’s areas of reporting in the Somali Cluster which covers south-eastern Ethiopia, north-eastern Kenya and adjoining areas in Somalia.

See link to related press release for further information

CEWARN in collaboration with Giz-Germany is conducting a four-day report writing skills training for its conflict analysts and members of national Conflict Early Warning and Response Units (CEWERUs) covering themes such as research and report writing methodologies as well as effective communications with decision makers.

In his opening statement of the training which commenced on 27 June in Nairobi, CEWARN Director Dr. Martin Kimani Mbugua stated that the training will be instrumental in  improving the quality of CEWARN’s early warning reports and their impact in promoting timely response.

Giz’s support to CEWARN in the past includes the development of a comprehensive training manual on Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (CPMR) in 2008 as well as related trainings in CPMR and report writing.

Steering Committee of the CEWARN Rapid Response Fund (RRF) held its fourth regular meeting on 24 June in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Steering Committee that oversees the regional facility, reviewed and approved for funding two projects proposed by the national Conflict Early Warning and Response Unit (CEWERU) of Uganda related to enhancing the role of youth and women in peace building in the Karamoja region of Uganda with a combined worth of USD 90,000.

The projects were considered pertinent and urgent in terms of addressing gaps in ongoing peace processes in the area.

Another key agenda of the meeting was the appraisal of ongoing RRF projects in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda and their impact in improving the peace and security situation in CEWARN’s areas of reporting in these countries. Overall, it was found that the projects were effective in terms of facilitating timely interventions to forestall impending crises as well as in enhancing the capacity of the local and national structures of their CEWERUs.

CEWARN Director Dr. Martin Kimani Mbugua who presided over the meeting reminded representatives of development partners that their continued support is critical in sustaining these interventions.

The meeting also discussed the issue of fast tracking the approval process of RRF projects in order to ensure timeliness of response measures. Accordingly, the committee agreed to set up emergency funds at national levels in Member States.

Some of the key recommendations that came out of the meeting in terms of bridging gaps in CEWARN response initiatives include the need for a comprehensive peace process in Karamoja Cluster to deal with emerging peace and security challenges; the establishment and effective functioning of cross-border peace structures as well as enhanced focus on tangible and sustainable outcomes of RRF projects.

The meeting was concluded with election of new steering committee members that will take over from members comprising representatives of heads of national CEWERUs; CSOs and development partners who completed a two year term. The newly elected members of the Steering Committee of CEWARN’s RRF are heads of national CEWERUs of Somalia, Sudan and Uganda; CSO representatives from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya as well as representatives of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and government of Denmark.

The RRF was set up by CEWARN and its development partners in 2009 as an emergency basket fund in order to equip the CEWARN Mechanism with the necessary resources to support Member state response initiatives aimed at mitigating and preventing cross-border pastoral and related conflicts in its areas of reporting.