Lodwar 23rd, August 2024 (Governor press service)
- A second edition of conflict sensitivity training for peace actors in Turkana has been successfully concluded, aimed at refreshing the skills of previous participants and equipping new entrants with vital tools for conflict-sensitive programming.
The initiative, supported by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Speaking during the training, Deputy Director for Peace, Benjamin Losinyono, lauded the DRC for its proactive approach in enhancing the capacity of peace actors.
Director Losinyono highlighted the growing demand for accountability from project beneficiaries, stressing the importance of adopting conflict-free strategies in all peace-related activities.
“Accountability from project beneficiaries has become increasingly important, making it essential to embrace approaches that are free from conflict. This training is a key step in ensuring that we meet these expectations,” Losinyono remarked.
Chair of the Turkana County Assembly Committee on Security, Administration, and Disaster Management, Hon. Samwel Aliwo, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to tackle the rising levels of conflict both within Turkana and along its borders.
Aliwo also advocated for the inclusion of political and leadership figures in future training sessions, noting that their words and actions often have a significant impact on either fueling or mitigating conflicts between communities.
Additionally, the DRC Peace building Officer, Alfred Loyok insisted that peace Actor’s would better results by adopting the conflict sensitivity programming that Integrates the Do No Harm approach.
Loyok added that the approach was not only client focussed but also sensitive to the global requirements for inclusivity, evidence based planning and networking between partners.
According to John Ekutan, the peace meeting, which was supported by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), focused on the formulation of interventions that do not unintentionally escalate conflict but strengthen inclusivity and consensus
Additionally, DRC Peace building officer, John Ekutan also rooted for the conflict sensitive approach as a true reflection of reality of our lives where conflicts are unavoidable. he said that the approach would assist in minimizing the unintended outcomes.
Participants of the training included representatives from various civil society organizations, all of whom are now better equipped to handle the complex challenges of peacebuilding in Turkana.
Other county officials and representatives of stakeholders who attended and addressed the consultative meeting include, Lomongin Geoffrey (ass.director for peace), Rodgers Emuria (ass Director for peace),Joshua Eregae ( county peace building Officer)
Other partners who benefited from training were drawn from DRC,KARMO,TUBAE, ApAD, SAPCONE, CARITAS-LODWAR,AMDO,TPRO. SAVER WORLD, among others.
