Red flags over surge in ethnic violence

About 40 people have been killed, schools closed and livelihoods destroyed through ethnic violence in Kenya’s vast Marsabit County in recent months. Without decisive state intervention, the killings will probably continue. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) notes that the conflict appears to be driven by politically instigated ‘ethnic territorial expansion’ and a contest to increase voter numbers for the 2022 elections. The Daily Maverick reports that the county’s last two elections stand out for their acrimony and ethnic animosity 'which have grown to untenable levels'. ISS said although local politicians have been arrested for political incitement and meetings have been held between local leaders and interfaith groups as well as Kenyan and Ethiopian Government officials, peace remains elusive. However, it says a cross-border peace initiative which received financial support from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) does signal hope.