Along the tough terrains and often unforgiving borderlands between Kenya and Uganda, where communities have endured generations of mistrust and conflict, the seeds of peace were far from easy to imagine. For years, local leaders’ chiefs on the Kenyan side and LCIII representatives in Uganda lived in a state of uneasy coexistence, their roles largely defined by isolation and division. Communication was non-existent, and any interaction was overshadowed by deep-seated suspicion and hostility. How we moved from discord to dialogue, from isolation to cooperation, and from division to unity. It is a story of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of collaboration. Please allow me to me take you back to where it all began. My name is Sammy Losuban, and I am the Chief of Lokiriama Location, situated in Lokiriama Sub-County. Additionally, I serve as the Chairperson of the Ateker Cross-Border Chiefs and LCIII Forum, a unique platform bringing together chiefs from Lokiriama Sub-County in Kenya, North Pokot, and the LCIII representatives from Moroto in Uganda. The forum, established in 2015, was born out of necessity under the Peace III program, funded by USAID and implemented by APaD. Before its creation, chiefs and LCIII representatives rarely interacted. Tensions were high, relationships strained, and there was a lack of mutual cooperation. Communities suffered as leaders failed to work collaboratively to foster peace or facilitate coexistence. Recognizing this gap, the Ateker Cross-Border Chiefs and LCIII Forum was formed to improve early warning and early response mechanisms along the borders of Kenya, Uganda, and North Pokot. It was envisioned as a peace structure to break barriers, mend relationships, and create avenues for dialogue and collaboration. Since then, the forum has achieved remarkable milestones. One of the forum’s early successes was facilitating the resettlement of displaced communities. For instance, in areas like Loya, where insecurity had forced people to relocate to Lorengippi, the forum played a pivotal role in fostering understanding and cooperation. Through concerted efforts, the chiefs encouraged peaceful coexistence, enabling displaced families to return home. Another notable achievement is the recovery of livestock stolen during raids. By fostering coordination among leaders and communities, the forum has facilitated the return of countless animals to their rightful owners, restoring hope and trust. Regular meetings and dialogue sessions between chiefs and LCIII members have strengthened relationships and addressed critical community issues. Beyond peacebuilding, the forum has also supported communities in natural resource management. Through resource-sharing agreements and equitable distribution, the forum has helped their communities create resolutions that foster unity and sustainable use of shared resources. A transformative focus of the forum has been educating communities on diversifying livelihoods beyond traditional pastoralism. These efforts have fuelled the growth of cross-border trade in the region. Today, boda boda riders and traders freely traverse borders to places like Moroto, Alale, North Pokot, and Lorengippi, engaging in vibrant economic activities. These exchanges have significantly encouraged peaceful coexistence among communities Despite its successes, the forum faces significant challenges. The phase-out of the project funding APaD, which has been instrumental in bringing the forum together, threatens its sustainability. Without financial support, it becomes increasingly difficult to sustain the forum’s activities and the momentum it has built over the years. However, recent support from the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and APaD, through the Danida-funded Connecting Cross-Border Communities for sustainable peace in the Karamoja region Project, has revived the forum. This initiative has enabled us to continue convening, discussing pressing issues, and sharing updates as a united front. As we look ahead, sustained support is crucial to ensure the forum’s long-term impact. The Ateker Cross-Border Chiefs and LCIII Forum remains a beacon of hope for peaceful coexistence, improved livelihoods, and strong cross-border collaboration. With ongoing assistance, we can continue to meet, collaborate, and address the pressing needs of our communities together. Together, we are stronger. Together, we can achieve peace and prosperity for all.

The County Steering Group (CSG) workshop was organized and convened by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and commenced on April 23, 2024, at the CRADLE Hotel in Lodwar, Turkana County. This workshop was made possible through the support of the University of Nairobi in collaboration with Oxford University, the University of Cape Town, NDMA Turkana, the Kenya Red Cross, and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The purpose of the CSG workshop was to introduce the CLARE PALM-TREEs research project, which aims to study and identify the impacts of extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves on pastoralists and marginalized groups in Turkana County. This research adopts a participatory approach, combining social and physical sciences while incorporating indigenous knowledge to propose tangible solutions for addressing climate extremes. In addition to presenting their research, the institutions involved sought to learn from international organizations and government entities operating in Turkana and Kitui Counties. These discussions focused on understanding how existing interventions have addressed climate extremes affecting pastoralists and marginalized communities, as well as identifying gaps in these efforts. The Danish Church Aid (DCA), as the lead agency, and Saferworld took the opportunity to introduce the “Strengthening Integrated Peace and Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction for Cross-Border Communities in the Karamoja Cluster” (SPREAD Project). During their presentation, Benson Thuku (DCA Programme Manager) and Mathew Esinyen (Saferworld Project Manager) introduced their partners, the Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists Development (APAD) and Sustainable Approaches for Community Empowerment (SAPCONE). They highlighted the global goal of the project, its specific objectives, the coverage areas, and the target participants in Turkana North, Turkana West, and Kibish sub-counties of Turkana County.

In the remote landscapes of North Pokot, where tradition and resilience intertwine, women have long been the silent bearers of generational burdens. From harmful cultural practices to the devastating impact of conflict and climate change, their struggles are deeply woven into the fabric of society. Recently, at the Nasal Dispensary, a capacity-strengthening session brought together representatives from four women’s community groups from Katich, Kariamkeris, Tilelen, and Lokitelarengan. Spearheaded by APaD, with support from SaferWorld through the Austrian Development Agency-funded project, this initiative aimed to address some of the most pressing social and health challenges affecting women in the region. Unraveling the Harmful Legacy of FGM For generations, female genital mutilation (FGM) has remained a deeply entrenched practice in North Pokot. Passed down through the ages, it is seen as a crucial rite of passage into womanhood, a means of gaining social status and securing a future. Many women, with limited access to education or alternative perspectives, grow up believing that FGM is their only path to acceptance and honor. However, beneath the veil of tradition lies a reality of pain, trauma, and irreversible health complications. Women who undergo FGM often suffer from severe bleeding, long-term infections, and complications during childbirth, including obstetric fistula a debilitating condition that leaves survivors with permanent physical and emotional scars. Many endure lifelong shame, social exclusion, and even death due to the medical risks associated with the practice. The session provided an open and honest space for women to discuss the dangers of FGM and explore safer, culturally sensitive alternatives. Through awareness, storytelling, and medical insights, the women gained knowledge and confidence to challenge these deeply rooted customs in their communities. Empowering Women in Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Beyond the health risks of FGM, women in cross-border regions like North Pokot face another battle—the impact of conflict and climate change. Resource-based conflicts have escalated over the years, leaving women and children the most affected by violence, displacement, and economic instability. Despite overwhelming evidence that women’s involvement in peacebuilding leads to lasting and meaningful resolutions, they remain largely excluded from decision-making spaces. Cultural norms, combined with limited access to education and leadership roles, continue to push them into the background. Through the “Strengthening Locally Led Solutions to Intersecting Peace, Gender, and Climate Challenges” project, APaD and its partners are breaking these barriers. During the training, 10 representatives from women peace groups were equipped with practical tools to step into leadership roles and contribute to gender-responsive conflict prevention strategies. Key discussions focused on:✔PTSD Awareness & Mental Health Support: Helping women recognize and manage trauma caused by conflict, displacement, and violence.✔Fistula Prevention & Management: Addressing the causes, symptoms, and treatment of fistula, a condition that continues to affect women in underserved areas.✔Proposal Development: Teaching women how to secure funding for community-led initiatives, ensuring sustainable development, and peacebuilding efforts. A Future Driven by Knowledge and Change The voices of women in North Pokot are growing louder. Through education, advocacy, and leadership, they are challenging longstanding traditions, fighting for their rights, and reclaiming their place in peace processes. Ending FGM, addressing gender-based violence, and integrating women into peace negotiations will not happen overnight, but every conversation, every training, and every empowered woman brings the region one step closer to a future of equality, health, and sustainable peace. The journey is long, but change has begun. And this time, women are leading the way.