The meeting, which brought together more than 100 residents from both sides, focused on promoting early warning and early response (EWER) systems to improve coordination and prevent emerging security threats before they escalate.

Residents from both sides also discussed ways to enhance collaboration among local peace actors, strengthen community-led peace structures, and promote proactive approaches to addressing insecurity.

The forum emphasized the importance of local leadership in building resilient borderland communities capable of responding to potential threats.

The initiative known as Amani Mpakani also highlighted the crucial roles of youth, women, and religious leaders in advancing peacebuilding efforts and fostering trust between the two neighboring communities.

Abdiwahab Hassan from Mandera noted that with the recent surge in violence, there is an urgent need for stronger collaboration across the border.

“Through sharing ideas and information, we communities can work together more effectively to enhance security and prevent conflict “he added.

He Further noted that inclusivity remained a key focus, with active participation from women, youth, minority groups, and persons with disabilities from both Mandera and Beled Hawo.

Residents from Beld hawa – Somalia acknowledged that there is need peace along the borders between Kenya and Somalia because communities depend on one another they further noted that when problems arise on either side, the effects will be felt from both sides and much need to collaboration to uphold peace,

Mohamed Noor, a peace advocate from Mandera, added that the discussions focused on empowering youth structures, strengthening locally led deradicalization and peacebuilding initiatives, and enhancing cross-border collaboration to ensure lasting stability in the region.

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The incident has reignited fears among local residents living near the porous Kenya-Somalia border, amid ongoing clashes between forces of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubaland administration over control of the Gedo region.

The victim, Duha Ulow, was inside her home near the Mandera-Buulo Hawo border on Saturday, September 27, 2025, when she was hit in the upper right arm by a live round.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m., during what locals say was a particularly intense exchange of gunfire between the warring Somali factions just across the border.

Heightened Fears in Border Communities

The affected area, already sparsely populated due to ongoing security threats, has been on edge for weeks as tensions across the border in Somalia have escalated. Many residents say they have been living in fear of stray bullets and cross-border incursions, despite recent government assurances.

This attack came just six days after Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport, and Public Works, Kipchumba Murkomen, visited Mandera as part of the government’s “Jukwaa La Usalama” (Security Forum) outreach program.

Speaking during a public address on September 22, Murkomen had assured Mandera residents that their safety was a top priority for the national government.

“I want to assure students, teachers, and local residents that their safety is guaranteed,” said Murkomen. “We will not allow the ongoing conflict in Somalia to spill over into our country — not into your homes, your schools, or your fields.”

However, the shooting incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of those assurances, with locals questioning whether enough is being done to shield the region from cross-border violence.

Response from Local Authorities

Mandera County Police Commander Robinson Ndiwa confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway to determine the precise source of the bullet.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the bullet which injured the elderly woman originated from fighting on the Somali side of the border,” said Ndiwa. “She was quickly evacuated to Mandera Referral Hospital, where she underwent a successful surgery to remove the bullet and is now in stable condition.”

Local authorities, including Governor Omar Mohamed of Barwaqo, have called for urgent government intervention to bolster security in border towns and protect civilians from the spillover effects of foreign conflicts.

Previous Cross-Border Concerns

This is not the first time Mandera residents have been affected by instability in neighboring Somalia. Just last month, thousands of Somali refugees fleeing the Gedo conflict sought temporary shelter in three public primary schools in Mandera.

Their presence sparked concern among local parents and education stakeholders, who feared that learning could be disrupted as schools prepared to reopen for the third term of the academic year.

While the refugees later returned voluntarily to Somalia, the Kenyan government firmly denied local claims that armed Jubaland forces had crossed into Mandera territory.

The Kenya-Somalia border region has long been a flashpoint for conflict, smuggling, and militant activity, and while the Kenyan government continues to deploy security forces to the area, many residents remain skeptical of its ability to prevent future incidents.

As of now, the Mandera County administration is urging the national government to increase surveillance and defense measures, including the possible deployment of additional security personnel to protect civilians living within range of the volatile border.

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Local Somali officials in Kenya’s North Eastern region confirmed that the Jubbaland forces informed them of their intention to remain in Mandera for no more than 24 hours. The soldiers reportedly fled heavy clashes in Beled-Hawo and sought temporary refuge in Kenya for safety and regrouping.

However, the Kenyan government appears keen to avoid a diplomatic fallout and is reportedly pressuring the Jubbaland forces to leave the area immediately. Kenyan authorities are concerned that allowing armed foreign forces to remain within its borders, even temporarily, could escalate into a larger conflict involving the Federal Government of Somalia.

So far, there has been no official response from the Jubbaland administration regarding the situation or the Kenyan government’s demand for withdrawal. The silence from Jubbaland’s leadership has left many questions unanswered, including the future movements and safety of the retreating forces.

This development follows increasing political and military pressure on Jubbaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam “Madobe” from the Somali Federal Government. The current uncertainty raises concerns about the fate of the Jubbaland troops and the potential implications for Kenya-Somalia relations, which have historically been strained by border security issues and political alignments in southern Somalia.

The situation remains fluid, and it is not yet clear where the Jubbaland forces will go if they are forced to leave Mandera without securing a safe re-entry into Somali territory. Observers warn that unless a diplomatic solution is quickly found, the standoff could deepen the existing rift between Nairobi and Mogadishu.

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The Mandera branch of the Red Crescent, working in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Mandera Regional Government, has confirmed the safe arrival of eight Somali families. These families were displaced by ongoing clashes between forces loyal to the Somali Federal Government and those aligned with the Jubbaland regional administration.

“These families crossed into Kenya seeking refuge from the violence that has engulfed their communities,” said a spokesperson for the Kenyan Red Crescent. “Upon arrival, they received urgent humanitarian support, including temporary shelter, clean drinking water, and medical assistance.”

The renewed conflict in the Gedo region, particularly around Beled-Haawo, has intensified over recent days, forcing more civilians to abandon their homes. Aid organizations and local authorities anticipate that additional families may arrive in the coming days as instability continues to spread along the Somali-Kenyan border.

Regional officials in Mandera have emphasized that those seeking safety are being treated with dignity and compassion. They also highlighted the deep cultural, familial, and ethnic ties between communities on both sides of the border.

“This region has long-standing connections that transcend national boundaries. We are committed to helping our brothers and sisters in need,” said a Mandera county official.

The displacement adds to growing concerns about the humanitarian toll of the ongoing power struggle in Somalia’s Gedo region. Tensions between the federal and regional governments have repeatedly erupted into violence, leaving civilians caught in the middle.

Humanitarian agencies continue to monitor the situation closely and are preparing contingency plans should the crisis worsen and lead to a larger influx of displaced persons.

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According to a statement issued by the Kenya Police Command, the officers were traveling between the Aresa and Khalalio areas in East Mandera when their vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast reportedly impacted the rear section of the military vehicle, resulting in injuries to seven officers on board.

The officers were conducting a routine security patrol at the time of the attack. Some of the personnel in the vehicle managed to escape the explosion unharmed.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the incident, local authorities suspect the involvement of the Al-Shabaab militant group, which has orchestrated similar attacks in the region in the past. The Somalia-based terrorist group has a history of targeting security forces and civilians in Kenya’s northeastern counties, particularly Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa.

In response to the attack, Kenyan security forces have launched an intensive operation aimed at securing the area and flushing out suspected militants. Patrols have been increased, and additional forces have been deployed to restore calm and prevent further violence.

Mandera County, which shares a porous border with Somalia, continues to face persistent threats from extremist groups. The region has witnessed a rise in cross-border attacks, prompting ongoing counter-terrorism operations by the Kenyan government.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities.

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The killings are believed to be connected to ongoing inter-tribal tensions in rural areas surrounding Mandera. The region has witnessed repeated clashes in recent days, raising concerns over escalating violence.

Abdullahi Macalin Hassan, a brother of the victims, told local media that the attack occurred around midnight when an armed group stormed the family’s home. According to Abdullahi, the attackers specifically targeted his family, while neighboring homes remained untouched.

“It appears they were deliberately singled out. None of the neighbors were harmed. This was a poor family of herders,” he said.

Following the attack, the assailants fled the scene. So far, there has been no official statement or response from security agencies or Mandera city authorities regarding the incident.

The massacre has heightened fears among residents that tribal violence could spread further across Mandera and neighboring regions in Kenya’s North East.

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This situation has escalated terror attacks in the border region, which shares proximity with Somalia.

The governor expressed concern over how the presence of these militants has severely impacted service delivery in various parts of the county.

Speaking during a crucial security meeting aimed at addressing the Al-Shabaab insurgency in the North Eastern region, regional commissioners, and county intelligence committee members from four counties neighboring Somalia, namely Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu, gathered to find ways of dealing with the increasing threats posed by the terrorist group.

“Mandera County, for example, 60 per cent is controlled by Al-Shabaab. We cannot offer services and are only confined at the County Headquarters,” he said as quoted by local media.

Governor Khalif, along with other leaders from the affected areas, emphasized the need for concerted efforts to counter Al-Shabaab’s activities. They urged for community sensitization to identify and eliminate elements that support the terror outfit, recognizing the vital role the local community plays in curbing cross-border attacks.

“The attacks in our counties are not only a threat to security personnel. This is affecting the people as well, we leaders included,” added Lamu East MP, Ruweida Mohamed.

Governor Khalif expressed the significant challenges his administration faces in providing public services due to the pervasive Al-Shabaab presence in the county. He highlighted that 60 percent of Mandera County falls under their control, restricting their ability to function effectively beyond the County Headquarters.

In the backdrop of heightened Al-Shabaab activity, including attacks on telecommunication masts and roads used by security personnel, the leaders sought support from the national government to combat the group.

They stressed the importance of close coordination between regional and national authorities to effectively fight Al-Shabaab and terrorism in the area.

North Eastern Regional Commissioner, John Otieno, emphasized the need for community engagement as a crucial aspect of ending cross-border attacks by Al-Shabaab.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by the long and porous border shared with Somalia, a region that has been plagued by instability for an extended period.

Over the past months, Al-Shabaab has escalated its attacks on Kenyan border towns, resulting in the loss of civilian lives and the deaths of several police officers since May.

The group’s attacks have historically targeted Kenyan cities and towns as part of their efforts to pressure Kenya to withdraw its troops from the African Union-led peacekeeping forces in Somalia.

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