GADA IS A STAKEHOLDER IN CROSS-BORDER COMMUNAL RELATIONS

||REGIONAL DIPLOMACY|| ~KENYA-ETHIOPIA (OPINION FROM DIASPORA)

GADA IS A STAKEHOLDER IN CROSS-BORDER COMMUNAL RELATIONS

1. The partition of Africa which separated Borana into Kenya and Ethiopia is a historical accident. To mitigate the challenges arising from such partition by the international borders, states/governments have developed a mechanism of bilateral relations which fosters cross border relations. Ever since since pre-independence and post-independence, the efforts by Kenya and Ethiopia have been greatly complemented by Borana who have converted the border as a bridge rather than a barrier.

2. Border communities and in particular those inhabiting a fragile geopolitical and geosecurity environment have affinity for each others affairs. This is part of the reasons why the Ethiopian Borana generally and Gada in particular has a great stake in cross border political, economic, security and cultural relations.

3. In the contemporary principles and practice of international relations, the interests of cross border communities have been re-conceptualized in many ways. Firstly, there is a general appreciation that cross-border political, socio-economic and cultural relations is part and parcel of the customary international practices. Secondly, the spirit of regional integrations is aimed at cross-border social, political, economic, cultural and security integration of the states and the communities leaving along the common border. Thirdly, the impact of globalization has diminished the concept of international borders and boundaries. Fourthly, there is an emerging shift on the concept of sovereignty from purely the preserve of the state to the domain of the people whose needs move beyond regional and global frontiers.

4. In a nut shell, the world has transformed into a global village and by extension Kenya and Ethiopia is a seamless village. This phenomenon of the globalising and integrating world as well as the diminishing values of border have impacted considerably on the question of loyalty or patriotism. In any case patriotism and loyalty in Africa has often been communal/tribal. This means that how people and the leaders of the border communities relate to either of the state they inhabit is a subjective process.

6. Former President Daniel Arap Moi while addressing the people of Moyale in mid-1990s called for the integration of the border communities including through marriage. A classical example is that the leaders of the Kenya Ogaden from North Eastern have engaged both the government of Kenya and Ethiopia in order to initiate a peace process between Ethiopia and the Ogaden National Liberation Front. They have undertaken a number of constructive activities and achieved critical milestones. In all their engagement, they have articulated issues from position of knowledge. This initiative does not in any way make the Ogadeni leaders less patriotic. In fact they could be credited for engaging in citizen diplomacy which is gaining currency in peace-building process. The citizen diplomacy projects the image of the country and enhance relations between the two countries.

7. This demonstrate that border is not just a mere line on a map, but rather a vital political, economic, security, cultural elements with implications for the communal livelihood. Consequently, Borana at large and Gada leadership are critical stakeholders in cross border issues.

8. Going forward, it is incumbent upon all of us to enhance crossborder political, economic and cultural relations including peace and stability. In fact, many Kenyan Borana in Southern Ethiopia have not voted. in the recent polls because their constitutional rights was outrightly abbrogated by the administrative oversight and bureaucracies on the part of IEBC. The people of goodwill should pursue this noble cause so that polling stations established and gazetted in the following areas; Yabalo, Dubluq, Borbor, Arero, Tuqa, Iddi, Shawabare, Magado, Tertale, Mega, Melbana etc.