DRIVERS OF INTER-COMMUNAL CONFLICT ALONG THE ETHIOPIA-KENYA BORDER IN MOYALE

Author: Tesfaye Molla

ABSTRACT

Though at the state level Ethiopia and Kenya have had a stable and good relations since they established formal relations, there are ongoing conflicts along their shared border, primarily between ethnic groups such as among Borana, Garri and Gabra communities. This paper aimed at identifying drivers of conflicts among Borana, Garri and Gabra communities in the borderlands between Ethiopia and Kenya in Moyale, using secondary data and analyzing reports and works of others. Many causal factors, ranging from cultural, social, governance, and political, and a mixture of these, account for the emergence of communal conflicts between the communities within each state and across the Ethiopia-Kenya border. Some cultural values and beliefs, such as raiding, cattle rustling, retaliation, and revenge, have not only long been drivers of conflict in the Moyale region but also have become an impediment to the achievement of a lasting peace. Besides the common shortage of land for Pasture and Scarcity of Water, and climate change, the mobilization of ethnic identities for political purposes is another primary political driver of conflict in the area. Political factors such as redrawing boundary administration, the introduction of multi-party politics in 1992, the uncontrolled proliferation of weapons, and the weakening of the traditional governance system have changed the face of conflict. Conflict that was characterized by competition for resources had gained a new dimension-competition over boundaries and territory. It is found out that drivers of conflicts in the Moyale region that have arisen are resource-related disputes (foremost pasture and water) and drought, and climate change. However, the drivers of more recent conflict are related to governance and political dimensions owing to political change in both Ethiopia and Kenya. Even the age-old drivers are linked to politics. Addressing the drivers of communal conflicts, therefore, requires the commitments and coordination of both governments and other local and international stakeholders.

Keywords: Inter-Communal Conflict, Drivers, Moyale, Ethiopia, Kenya, Border

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