South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda border talks ends in Moroto
Despite the rich cultural diversity and shared histories among the Ateker communities, boundary disputes have strained these ties, hindering peaceful coexistence and economic growth.
By Opio Jackson
The High-Level Sensitisation Forums on Peaceful Co-Existence among the Ateker border communities in Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan concluded in Moroto, Uganda yesterday.
The Ateker ethnic group of Turkana, Karamojong, Toposa, and Didinga communities on Thursday converged in Moroto for a two-day conference to address the challenges facing the Ateker border communities.
Despite the rich cultural diversity and shared histories among the Ateker communities, boundary disputes have strained these ties, hindering peaceful coexistence, security, and economic growth.
The high-level meeting of the Ateker Border Communities was organized by the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat in collaboration with the Republics of Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
A delegation from Eastern Equatoria State to the conference confirmed to The City Review that the conference had concluded well. He said the delegates were waiting to sign the resolutions.
However, he was unreachable as we went to the press.
Nevertheless, the meeting was expected to discuss the resolutions of the first EAC Peace Caravan held in July 2023 and the implementation framework for their consideration.
Also, it was meant to present the Peace Caravan resolutions to the leaders of the Tri-Junction for their review and approval.
After this, they would review and adopt the draft framework for the implementation of these resolutions and the border community sensitization program.
According to the East Africa Community Secretariat, which is the host of the Forum, the leaders were expected to jointly launch the sensitization program in Moroto focusing on peaceful coexistence, good neighborliness, and prosperity for border communities.
This initiative will set in motion a series of sensitisation and awareness activities that will take place in Lokichogio, Kenya, and Narus, South Sudan.
The events are set to conclude with a two-day review meeting in Lodwar, Turkana County, Kenya.
Speaking ahead of the mission, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, said that the EAC Peace Caravan, which was launched in July 2023, had promoted dialogue, confidence-building and sustainable conflict resolution.
“Since the Peace Caravan, no major incidents of violence have occurred among the communities. This current mission builds on that momentum, focusing on dialogue to address root issues such as land ownership, resource sharing and historical claims,” said Ariik.
He said the leaders are working to improve security coordination across borders to curb incidents like cattle rustling and cross-border attacks.
The mission is supported by the African Union and GIZ, which seeks to promote cultural exchanges and encourage unity while preserving the distinct traditions of each community.
This initiative will set in motion a series of sensitisation and awareness activities that will take place in Lokichogio, Kenya, and Narus, South Sudan.
