Garissa and Isiolo elders during a community-led dialogue on peace in Garbatulla, Isiolo county, on Wednesday /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Lagdera Subcounty Peace Committee chairperson Rashid Garane /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
NDMA chief executive officer Hared Adan during a community-led dialogue on peace in Garbatulla, Isiolo county, on Wednesday. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Lagdera peace committee member Siyad Noor on the sidelines of the meeting in Garbatulla, Isiolo county /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
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Elders from the Somali and Borana communities living along the Garbatulla–Lagdera border have committed to peaceful coexistence, shared use of grazing land and joint efforts to curb banditry and livestock theft.

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The area has for years seen recurrent clashes between Borana and Somali pastoralists over access to pasture and water, especially during prolonged dry seasons.

Worsening drought has pushed families beyond traditional grazing zones in search of pasture, intensifying competition over scarce resources and fuelling tensions.

Banditry has compounded the strain, with criminals targeting livestock and, at times, small businesses in border communities.

To restore harmony, elders from both sides have since Monday taken part in peace caravans along the Modogashe–Garbatulla road. Activities included community dialogues on coexistence and unity and friendly football matches to foster goodwill.

The dialogue, led by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), aims to empower elders to develop community-led actions, including locally agreed grazing guidelines.

Reaffirming existing peace agreements, elders from Garissa thanked their Isiolo counterparts for allowing access to grazing areas and pledged similar hospitality in future.

Lagdera Subcounty Peace Committee chairperson Rashid Garane said peaceful coexistence was inevitable given shared geography and bonds.

“We are Muslim brothers and neighbours. One side of the road is Isiolo and the other is Lagdera in Garissa. No one is moving away from here. We borrow from one another and will continue living in harmony,” he said.

Elder Ismail Hussein called for joint action against livestock rustling and urged the government to carry out comprehensive disarmament to remove illegal firearms.

Isiolo elders welcomed Garissa herders but stressed adherence to inter-grazing guidelines, saying visiting herders should report to local grazing committees for coordination and security.

NDMA chief executive officer Hared Adan said the initiative seeks to strengthen community-based conflict prevention and promote sustainable management of pasture and water amid persistent drought.