Turkana and Toposa communities celebrate one year of cross-border peace after Arusha accord
The event in Nadapal, Turkana, marked one year since the Arusha Peace Accord was signed in November 2024 by leaders of the Turkana, Karamojong, Toposa and Didinga communities.
The Turkana community of Kenya and the Toposa community of South Sudan have celebrated one year of peaceful coexistence, marking a major milestone in cross-border peacebuilding efforts.
The event, held in Nadapal border town in Turkana, commemorated the success of the Arusha Peace Accord signed in November 2024 by leaders of the Ateker border communities. These include Kenya’s Turkana, Uganda’s Karamojong, and South Sudan’s Toposa and Didinga communities.
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Leading the Kenyan delegation, Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai praised the neighbouring communities for maintaining peace, which he described as vital for regional stability and economic growth.
He hailed the growing social cohesion and resource-sharing along the Kenya–South Sudan border as a positive outcome of successful diplomacy.
"The benefits of peace are visible and measurable. Roads that were once rendered impassible due to conflict are now thriving routes for transportation of people and goods," said Governor Lomorukai.
Members of South Sudan’s Toposa community perform a traditional dance to mark one year of peaceful coexistence with the Turkana community. (Photo: Turkana County Press)
Ruto, Kiir roles
He also acknowledged the key roles played by President William Ruto and President Salva Kiir in supporting the peace process and called on Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong and the South Sudanese government to maintain momentum in cross-border dialogue and community engagement.
Lomorukai noted that the regional celebrations were the result of deliberate efforts and a shared appreciation of common heritage.
South Sudan's Governor Louis Lobong, who led the South Sudanese delegation, emphasised the importance of sustaining peace between the two communities, which has helped reduce cross-border conflicts, ease ethnic tensions, and open up more livelihood opportunities.
"We must abandon the culture of violence, there is no honour in conflict, the future belongs to builders, not destroyers," he said.
Ateker Peace Envoy John Munyes speaks during the celebrations. He hailed the occasion as a milestone. (Photo: Turkana County Press)
He reaffirmed Eastern Equatoria’s commitment to peace initiatives and urged all stakeholders to continue fostering trust and unity among the communities.
Turkana County Commissioner Julias Kavita also stressed the importance of lasting peace for development along the border.
He proposed that a similar celebration be held in South Sudan in 2026 to mark continued peaceful coexistence between the Turkana and Toposa.
Ateker Peace Envoy John Munyes hailed the occasion as a milestone, representing renewed trust and shared prosperity for the border communities.
The celebration featured traditional songs and dances, symbolising the communities' efforts to strengthen social bonds and encourage peaceful interaction.
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