Holugho: Womankind Kenya, a Garissa town-based non-governmental organization, has initiated a programme called ‘Deris Wanag’ (Good Neighbourliness) in the Somali dialect, which has improved security in the border town of Holugho, Garissa County. The programme, running for the past year, aims to promote peace and stability and strengthen social and economic dynamics between the communities of Holugho (Kenya) and Kulbiyo (Somalia).

According to Kenya News Agency, Osman Yahye, the team leader of the ‘Deris Wanag’ project, explained that the initiative seeks to enhance the relationship between security personnel and the community living along the border. The programme’s focus is on strengthening national responses to insecurity, supporting local conflict resolution structures, and building resilience against violent extremist actors.

Holugho, a border town in Garissa County, has historically faced cross-border attacks by the Somali-based Al-Shabaab terror group, who often cross over to Kulbiyo town before retre
ating into Somalia. Yahye attributed some of these attacks to mistrust and a lack of information sharing between security forces and community members, which the programme aims to address.

Abdirahman Yussuf, a senior administrator and resident of Holugho, noted the project’s significant impact on security. He emphasized the improved relationships between community members and security forces, allowing elders, youth, and women to share actionable information without fear.

Noor Bashir, a member of the Garissa paralegal network, highlighted the project’s success in reducing incidents of extra-judicial actions and brutality previously common in the area. Bashir also pointed out that the increased dialogue between residents and security forces has led to economic benefits, as people from both sides now freely cross the border to conduct business.

The programme’s success has prompted calls for its extension to sustain the peace and tranquility it has brought to the region.