Lokiriama 19th October 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The 51st Lokiriama Peace Accord concluded with the adoption of an 11-point resolution aimed at strengthening peace efforts among the Ateker communities spanning Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

The resolutions, crafted through community engagements, seek to enhance cross-border relations and establish an inclusive governance model for peace-building initiatives.

Joseph Areng, Peace Building Officer at the Agency for Cross Border Pastoralists Development, presented the resolutions, emphasizing their foundation in last year’s outcomes and input from various groups.

One of the central recommendations is to replicate the Lokiriama Peace Accord as a model for peace-building across other conflict-prone areas.

The resolutions also call for the reactivation of peace-building infrastructures, such as local and cross-border peace committees, to bolster ongoing efforts.

Addressing resource-based conflicts, the resolutions propose joint interventions in animal and human health and the development of policies to guide equitable resource sharing.

Recognizing the challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization, the Ateker communities were encouraged to diversify from nomadic pastoralism and embrace settled socio-economic ventures.

This year’s Lokiriama Peace Accord, marking the 51st anniversary of the 1973 peace pact between the Turkana and Matheniko communities, saw participation from high-level leaders.

Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and Uganda’s State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Peter Lokeris, served as the chief guests, reaffirming their commitment to peace and collaboration across borders.