By Adan Mohamed - Reporter
Kenya, 11 November 2025 - Residents from Mandera town in Kenya and the neighbouring Beled Hawo town in Somalia have held a Cross-Border Peace and Security Forum aimed at strengthening cooperation in preventing and countering violent extremism across the border region.
The meeting, which brought together more than 100 residents from both sides, focused on promoting early warning and early response (EWER) systems to improve coordination and prevent emerging security threats before they escalate.
Residents from both sides also discussed ways to enhance collaboration among local peace actors, strengthen community-led peace structures, and promote proactive approaches to addressing insecurity.
The forum emphasized the importance of local leadership in building resilient borderland communities capable of responding to potential threats.
The initiative known as Amani Mpakani also highlighted the crucial roles of youth, women, and religious leaders in advancing peacebuilding efforts and fostering trust between the two neighboring communities.
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Abdiwahab Hassan from Mandera noted that with the recent surge in violence, there is an urgent need for stronger collaboration across the border.
“Through sharing ideas and information, we communities can work together more effectively to enhance security and prevent conflict “he added.
He Further noted that inclusivity remained a key focus, with active participation from women, youth, minority groups, and persons with disabilities from both Mandera and Beled Hawo.
Residents from Beld hawa - Somalia acknowledged that there is need peace along the borders between Kenya and Somalia because communities depend on one another they further noted that when problems arise on either side, the effects will be felt from both sides and much need to collaboration to uphold peace,
Mohamed Noor, a peace advocate from Mandera, added that the discussions focused on empowering youth structures, strengthening locally led deradicalization and peacebuilding initiatives, and enhancing cross-border collaboration to ensure lasting stability in the region.
