The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) launched a project in the cross-border areas of Moyale between Ethiopia and Kenya intended to benefit migrants, refugees and host communities that are said to lead to a better social cohesion in the border areas. The project is linked to the IGAD Regional Migration Fund.
As noted on September 22, 2021, at a launching workshop held at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, the initiatives are “aimed at improving the living conditions and economic opportunities for migrants, refugees and host communities.”
Representatives from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marsabit County’s governor, Somali state and Oromia state were present during the launching of the project.
The project also intends to provide cash handouts to about 1600 households from both sides of the border to strengthen the community’s coping mechanisms.
A statement the regional body issued regarding the project reads, “To bolster cross border cooperation, IGAD is in discussion with the governments of Ethiopia and Kenya to establish Cross Border Facilitation Office in Moyale.”
This office is expected to improve cross-border linkages between governments and communities on both sides and support basic service delivery to cross border communities including migrants.
The cash handout dubbed Cash for Community Cohesion targets those people that are willing to participate in activities deemed to promote peace and social cohesion. IGAD says 25 percent of these beneficiaries will be provided with follow up support and job creation.
The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), German development agency, and KFW, German state-owned investment and development bank.
