September 23, 2024, (Nairobi, Kenya): Today marks the official launch of the Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands Programme (PRBP), an initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of people in the cross-border areas of the Horn of Africa. The launch event, held in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the European Union, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), IGAD member states, and implementing partners.
The Peaceful Resilience Borderlands Programme (PRBP) tackles key challenge affecting border clusters in the IGAD region. It will do so by addressing the root causes of instability and promoting socio-economic development. By fostering coordination among local authorities, regional bodies, and community stakeholders, the programme aims to enhance information sharing and exchanges, mitigate conflicts, and support sustainable development in the targeted IGAD border clusters.
Running from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2026, the PRBP focuses on three key IGAD cross-border clusters: Cluster I (South Omo/Turkana), Cluster II (Borana/Moyale), and Cluster III (Mandera Triangle). The programme places a strong emphasis on financial, institutional, and policy sustainability, integrating its outputs into government planning systems to ensure long-term impact. It ensures that key issues relevant to these clusters are reflected in national and regional policies and development strategies.
Additionally, the PRBP prioritises gender equality, human rights, and community-based disaster preparedness, fostering inclusive and equitable development. The ultimate goal is to build peaceful and resilient communities that can adapt and respond to various challenges. This may include environmental disasters and socio-economic disruptions, while ensuring that cross-border cooperation continues to drive sustainable growth in the region.
Statements from Key Stakeholders:
European Union, Deputy Ambassador, Ondrej Simek:
“The European Union strongly believes in the value of uniting across borders. Through our own history, we understand the value of supporting communities, who are connected through their shared cultural, family and economic ties. Through the Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands programme we intend to build on these ties to contribute to improved stability and social cohesion. The ultimate goal is to improve the lives of communities.”
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Mohamed Abdi Ware:
“The Peaceful Resilience Borderlands Programme represents a critical paradigm shift for our region’s sustainable development. It is time to change the narrative that views the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) and their cross-border communities as peripheral. These communities should be seen as bridges for transformative change and development, with their rich cultural heritage, social networks, and untapped socio-economic potential. Covering 70% of our region’s landmass and home to over 100 million people, the ASALs are essential drivers of regional growth. As IGAD, we remain steadfast in championing initiatives that strengthen regional cooperation, economic integration, and social cohesion, making sure no community is left behind in our collective pursuit of peace and prosperity.”
Ministry of East African Community, the arid and semi-arid lands and Regional Development (Kenya), Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe:
“Kenya is making efforts in pursuit of peaceful coexistence of ASAL communities and resilience. The Government through the Ministry of East African Community, the ASALS and Regional Development is mandated to coordinate planning and development of the ASALs. Key functions include: Building resilience of ASAL communities; promotion of livestock value chain and marketing; community integration peace building and cross border.”
Bodo Immink GIZ Kenya/Somalia Country Director:
“GIZ is particularly proud to be charged with the coordination role of this Programme. It complements our longstanding commitment to fostering sustainable development and stability in the Horn of Africa. Our role involves providing technical expertise, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring the effective implementation of Programme activities. We are dedicated to strengthening the technical capacities of local and regional institutions to create a lasting impact.”
With a total budget of EUR 40.6 million, the Peaceful Resilience Borderlands Programme is co-financed by the European Union and the German government, through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The programme is coordinated by GIZ and IGAD, with strong involvement from local authorities and a wide range of stakeholders. To ensure effective coordination and long-lasting impact, the initiative is supported by a comprehensive governance structure. This includes a Project Steering Committee chaired by IGAD, a Project Technical Committee, and Cluster Coordination Committees, all dedicated to overseeing progress and fostering collaboration in the targeted border areas. At cluster and community level, the project is implemented by three NGO consortia: the Danish Refugee Council, Danish Church Aid, and the Life & Peace Institute. Through this approach, the programme will ensure efficient delivery of its goals, driving peace, resilience, and sustainable development across the region.
For more information, please contact:
EU
Beatrice Hongo
European Union Delegation to Kenya, Press and Information Officer
Email: delegation-kenya-press@eeas.europa.eu
IGAD
Tesfaye Besha,
IGAD Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative, Project Coordinator
Email: Tesfaye.besha@igad.int
GIZ
Flora Kanga,
GIZ Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands Coordination (SCIDA III) DV
Email: flora.kanga@giz.de
Download attached Press Release in PDF below:
Press Release_ Official Launch of the Peaceful and Resilient Borderlands Programme (PRBP)
