The pilot Cash for Community cohesion initiative intends to strengthen the coping mechanism of communities living at both sides of the border at Moyale, IGAD said in a statement. The cash program will provide cash assistance to more than 1,600 households from both sides of the border that are willing to engage in activities that promote peace and social cohesion. About 25 percent of these households will benefit from follow-up job creation and livelihoods support.
Fathia Alwan, Director for Health and Social Development Division, said some €20 million has been secured from the government of Germany and has been allocated for the first phase implementation of the three projects, out of which €4 million Euros is allotted for the Moyale project.
The announcement of the project came following a consultative conference IGAD held at the Ethiopia-Kenya border town of Moyale, which was attended by key government officials from Ethiopia and Kenya including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Peace, Oromia and Somali national regional states' representatives from Ethiopia's side, as well as representatives from the National Coordination Mechanisms of countries and the Border Management Secretariat, Immigration Authority, Revenue Authority, and Marsabit Country's representatives form Kenya's side.
After discussion with communities’ representatives, IGAD also pointed out it has found that social cohesion and peacebuilding are seen as a priority for any kind of development in Moyale.
Source (Including Image): IGAD Statement
