Synopsis
In Nairobi, experts convened to advance peace initiatives in the Horn of Africa. The forum emphasized cooperation among nations to tackle challenges like insecurity and conflict while promoting social cohesion and development in the region.Key Takeaways
- Over 100 delegates from multiple nations participated.
- Importance of local community involvement in peacebuilding.
- Regional collaboration is essential for tackling transnational issues.
- Addressing insecurity is critical for sustainable development.
- The Horn of Africa's cultural diversity enhances peace efforts.
Nairobi, Jan 29 (NationPress) Experts gathered in the Kenyan capital on Wednesday to foster peace in the Horn of Africa region.
The two-day Regional Validation Forum for the Horn of Africa Initiative's Peace and Social Cohesion White Paper convened over 100 delegates, including security personnel from Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, along with representatives from international development organizations, to share insights and strategies for enhancing peacebuilding efforts.
In his inaugural address, Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of Interior and National Administration, remarked that the forum offers a crucial opportunity to strengthen the collective dedication to peaceful and swift development along with social cohesion in the Horn of Africa.
He highlighted that the region has united in its aim to elevate the living standards of communities in border areas through peace initiatives, investment, and development, addressing longstanding issues of insecurity, marginalization, conflict, fragility, and underdevelopment.
Omollo further stressed the necessity for the active involvement of local communities in determining their destiny and the vital role of regional collaboration in addressing transnational issues such as cross-border crime, disasters, the spread of small arms and light weapons, terrorism, and climate change.
Kenrick Ayot, the national focal point for Kenya at the Horn of African Initiative, indicated that sustainable development in border areas cannot be realized without first confronting the root causes of insecurity, conflict, and intercommunal violence.
Ayot noted that the Horn of Africa, with its rich cultural diversity and strategic geographical significance, remains pivotal to regional peacebuilding endeavors.
