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Northeastern Kenya elders warn of fallout from Jubbaland conflict, urge preventive measures


Wednesday December 11, 2024

 

Kismayo (HOL) — Kenyan elders from the northeastern region have issued a stark warning over the potential consequences of escalating tensions in Somalia's Jubbaland, emphasizing the risk of a new wave of refugees crossing into Kenya. At a meeting in Dadaab, they urged swift action to prevent a humanitarian crisis that could overwhelm local resources and destabilize border communities.

Osman Ibrahim Abdi, chairman of the Dadaab Peace Committee, described the looming threat of displacement as eerily reminiscent of the 1990s when Somalia's civil war drove hundreds of thousands of refugees into Kenya. "If conflict erupts again, the first place people will run to is northeastern Kenya, particularly Wajir," he said. "Our region is already stretched beyond capacity."

Dadaab, the world's largest refugee complex, currently houses over half a million people, predominantly Somalis fleeing decades of instability. Despite the Kenyan government's plans to close the camp, citing security and logistical challenges, it remains a vital sanctuary for displaced populations. However, the influx of approximately 900 undocumented refugees in recent months has further strained the camp's limited resources.

"Our region lacks the infrastructure to accommodate more arrivals," Ibrahim said. "The land here is arid; there's no arable land or water, and the community cannot sustain this level of pressure."

The elders called on the Somali government and Jubbaland's administration, led by President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), to resolve their differences peacefully. They also urged Kenya's government to engage in proactive diplomacy to prevent a spillover of tensions across the border.

"This is not about opposing refugees or any government," Ibrahim emphasized. "It's about ensuring we don't repeat past mistakes. The crisis of 1991 left scars that still affect our communities today."

The warnings are critical for Somalia, as disputes between the Federal Government and regional states like Jubbaland continue destabilizing the country. Analysts caution that unresolved tensions could spiral into violence, threatening not only Somalia's stability but also that of its neighbours.

The elders highlighted the broader implications of a Jubbaland conflict, noting that it could exacerbate security challenges in Kenya's border regions. Dadaab has served as a lifeline for displaced Somalis for decades, but its overstretched capacity underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

"Dadaab is more than a camp—it's a symbol of resilience for those fleeing violence," Ibrahim said. "But we cannot handle another wave of displacement without risking a full-blown crisis.



 





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