A group of Ateker community performing dancing during a cross border peace building meeting in Lokichogio, December 2024. (Photo Credit: Judith Richard).

Four communities along the South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya border have agreed to peaceful coexist while urging governments to enhance measures to address livestock theft and punish criminals.

Better known as the Ateker communities, they comprise the Turkana of Kenya, Nyangatom of Ethiopia and the Toposa and Didinga of South Sudan.

These communities share common heritage but faced challenges from years of conflict, poverty, insecurity and lack of services which has led to underdevelopment and harmful cultural practices.

From Monday to Wednesday this week, the border communities met in Lokichogio in Kenya to evaluate the cross-border peacebuilding initiative resolutions agreed in July 2024.

This is part of the “Spread: Peace and Resilience” project, funded by the European Union to prevent and mitigate conflicts, address the risks of natural disasters, and enhance resilience in cross-border communities.

Among the resolutions adopted on Wednesday, the four communities called for collaborative efforts between the government and communities to pursue criminals and recover stolen cattle.

Ooko Anyumba, the deputy County Commissioner of Lokichogio sub county in Kenya, read out the resolutions on behalf of the participants in Lokichogio on Wednesday.

“Government of Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan along with youth and women must promptly address livestock theft by pursing criminals, assessing victims and ensuring the recovery of stolen cattle.”

“Collaborative efforts between governments and communities are essential for identifying and apprehending those involved in criminal activities to foster trust and cooperation.”

“Enhance resource sharing and consolidation of pastoral livelihoods ought to be promoted with an emphasis on quality livestock production for sellable purposes.”

In July 2024 the Turkana of Kenya and Toposa community of South Sudan agreed to allow the government to pursue criminals, validate number of livestock or properties stolen, recover and return to the rightful owners.

They also agreed to spread the messages of peace as well as engaging their youth in peace processes as well for effective networking.