Improving neighborly relations, peaceful co-existence and conflict prevention between Turkana of Kenya and Toposa and Nyangatom of South Sudan by disseminating MOU which was signed on 17th June 2019 by Kenya and South Sudan

Target Beneficiaries

The Direct beneficiaries were Toposa, Turkana, & Nyangatom communities and Kenya and South Sudan as countries: 11,140 Peace Committee members, 120,000 youths, 225,000 women, 115,000 children, 19000 elders. Intended Indirect beneficiaries include communities in Neighboring regions and travelers from Kenya to Juba, Torit, to Kapoeta and other parts of the country. Didinga, Buya, Jie,Murle

Context

Cross border conflicts over natural resources remains a major source of instability along Kenya-South Sudan border, largely because of the artificial character of Kenya-South Sudan border, its poor delineation and demarcation. Various reasons that enhance cross-border conflicts between Kenya and Sudan are endemic as a result the Republic of Kenya and Republic of South Sudan signed Memorandum of Understanding to delineate and demarcate of the Kenya-South Sudan border which is approximately 232 KM long and falls between the trijunctions with Uganda and Kenya, and Ethiopia and Kenya.

Objective (s)

• To inform the communities of the steps being undertaken by the two Governments-Kenya and South Sudan to start the delimitation and demarcation work to permanently resolve the boundary issues.
• To sensitize Turkana, Toposa and Nyangatom communities about cattle raiding and its consequences to de-escalate the cross-border conflicts and the resultant tension among these communities.
• To prepare the Turkana, Nyangatom and Toposa leaders and community members to embrace, support and participate in border demarcation exercise

Methodological Approach

• Support Joint Community Sensitization Committee to undertake sensitization.
• Support and organize monitoring, advocacy and coordination meetings.
• Organize Radio talk show sessions and jingles on Local Community Radio

Results

• Cattle raiding and revenge killing has reduced along Lokichoggio-Kenya-Nadapal-South Sudan-road. No more incidents heard from December 2020
• Safe movement of passengers and trucks have been witnessed Lokichoggio-Nadapal road
• Nationals from both sides understood Kenya-South Sudan border issues through sharing of copies of MoU on social media and community meetings.

Impact

• The reduction in Cattle raiding and revenge killing along Lokichoggio-Kenya-Nadapal-South Sudan-road is directly linked with the second pillar of the AU Border Governance Strategy on Conflict Prevention and Resolution, and further enhances mobility and trade.
• The safe movement of passengers and trucks witnessed in Lokichoggio-Nadapal road can be linked with the Pillars of the AU Border Governance Strategy related to Conflict Prevention and Resolution, Border Security & Transnational Threats, Mobility, Migration & Trade Facilitation.
• The awareness creation on both sides and Nationals of both countries understanding the MoU signed by Kenya and South Sudan will enhance cooperation and development of the border region which corresponds with the pillars of the AU Border Governance Strategy on Cooperative Border Management and, Borderland Development & Community Engagement.

Success Factors

The main success factor has been the proper utilization of media platforms such as

• WhatsApp Group of Innovative Development Initiative & SAPCONE
• Face book Page of Innovative Development Initiative & SAPCONE
• Radio Stations (Singaita FM 88.3 radio in Kapoeta, South Sudan)
• Public Address System (loudspeakers)
• Community meetings (Toposa, Nyangatom and Jiye of Karimojong cluster had conference in Kapoeta on 21st-22nd January 2021

The linking and synchronization by the two NGOs from both sides of the border Innovative Development Initiative in South Sudan & SAPCONE in Kenya has enhanced the implementation of the project.

Constraints

There was misinformation and campaigns misleading the community members about the South Sudan-Kenya border; however, JCSC members used authority as political leaders to challenge false information’s about signed MOU.

Sustainability

• The joint Community Sensitization Committee comprises members of Turkana and Toposa/Nyangatom who are also community leaders and will continue together with Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), Joint Technical Committee (JTC), and Joint Demarcation Committee (JDC) to ensure that the Kenya-South Sudan border delimitation and demarcation is done.
• The community members of Turkana, Toposa and Nyangatom and their politicians have fully endorsed the project and will continue to sensitize and participate in the delimitation and demarcation exercise after phasing out of the project.
• Governments of the two countries- Kenya and South Sudan had agreed to fund joint sensitization activities which is delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic. The instigation of such initiatives is essential to insure sustainability.

Replicability

• So far, this project has not been replicated however by engaging local NGOs and opening space for cooperation between changemakers in different sides of borders may lead to the effective implementation of similar projects.
• The use of existing social media platforms of NGOs has proven to enhance communication and awareness creation which can also be replicated in other situations at different levels. The success factors and the impacts of the project show that media campaigns can have overarching effects and can increase the outreach of projects leading to successful implementation.