A previous peace session between Elebor and Turbi communities in Marsabit. Dambala Bonaya has called on use of dialogue and mediation to resolve conflict. Photo: Inter-peace Org.
The chairman of the peace committee in Turbi ward in Marsabit County Bonaya Dambala, has commended the steps taken to resolve conflicts through dialogue in the area.
Speaking to a local radio station in the region, Bonaya who is also an elder of the chief’s council in the area, said that the number of cases of conflicts reported to the chief’s office has decreased, as most of the cases are being resolved through negotiations.
He lauded this move, stating that it was made possible by the training they received from the Caritas Marsabit gender unit.
“We have been trained Caristers for quite a long time, we have been taught on mediation to resolve conflicts. The training is good as we have been equipped to solve marital conflicts and we have further experience as elders championing for peace, which ahs seen reduction cases and further explosion of violent cases at homes,” Bonaya explained.
Bonaya also said that cases of family violence, neglect, child abandonment and livestock theft were rampant in the area before the training was provided
“Family conflicts leading to child abandonment have reduced through the training and also animal theft has been of impact, as we have continued to preach on mediation and need for peace to our through Barazas across the ward,” he further added.
Apart from that, Bonaya has made it clear that villagers have also received training on combating the harmful practices of female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriages that are holding society back.
“After the training on FGM, we have taken the initiative to educate our mothers on the dangers that come with FGM and early marriages. We are creating awareness among the elders that marrying off a girl below 18 years is a crime and should not be condoned even by chiefs in the area,” he remarked.
However, Dambala commended Caritas, especially the gender department, for providing training that led to these reforms, while calling for more training to be provided to grassroots citizens.
“We are grateful to Caritas and request that these teachings and trainings be a continues program so that it can benefit generations to come after our exit,” Bonaya urged.
The county has been flanked with constant conflict from attacks from OLF from Ethiopia, ethnic clashes and animal theft, threatening the security of the region, however, peaceful resolutions of the emerging conflicts will foster restoration of calm in the area.
