Contain the Meru-Isiolo border conflict without delay

NAIROBI: The Meru-Isiolo border clashes should serve as a stark warning that we are living in uncertain times — and that the increasing cases of violence over resources may no longer be an episodic coincidence. With more than 10 deaths over a brief period, and with 2,000 families rendered homeless, it is inconceivable that the fighting in Isiolo Town is over a disputed border. Reports from the ground suggest the fighting that began as a conflict between members of the Meru and Borana communities after an attack on a boda boda rider metamorphosed into something more dangerous.

Following an attack on a mosque in Isiolo Town, worshipers were thankfully successfully restrained from retaliating and by the time peace was restored, members of the Meru community had retreated to their side of the border in Meru Town while the Borana fled their homes to seek sanctuary in Isiolo Town.