Miyo District Deputy Administrator, Mr. Dida Dabbasa opened the first day program introducing the activities and then made an opening speech in which he thanked the partners and welcomed the Sololo community to the meeting. He expressed his happiness to see the two communities coming together to foster peace. In this connection, he appreciated the improvement seen through regular meetings to avoid cross-border community challenges. He indicated that the communities in cross-border areas belong to the same ethno-national that benefits from sharing the experience to strengthen peace across the border.
From the Kenyan side, Senior Chief Dabbasa Guyo gave his remarks on behalf of the DCC of Sololo and Moyale Sub County. After welcoming the team and appreciating the CDG and HODI for their performance in planning for the crucial cross-border meeting, he emphasized the collaborating effort to sustain peace for mutual benefits. He added that the event took place at a crucial moment recognizing the urgency and complexity of the challenges faced in the efforts of future improvement. He indicated that youth employment calls for greater attention for youth living across the border by overcoming the problem through the cross-border trade and social cohesion.
Agenda of the day were identification of the most pressing community challenges; community experiences in tackling the challenges; the role of the cross-border peace committee; and action points for future planning. Discussion was held over the issues followed by preparation of action plan to be accomplished during project implementation period. The discussion covered issues of Human Trafficking and Drug Smuggling; Border Trade; Natural Resource Management and Use; ControllingCrimes (Cattle Raiding and Theft); Loose Institutional Collaboration; the Role of the Community to Tackle these Challenges; and the role of cross border joint committee in tackling these problems.
The participants cited what they said was the most impactful challenges they experience. They held discussion over it in terms of severity, actors, methods and the solutions of the challenges.