Football tournament in Wajir reignited memories of communities' resilience in the face of terror
As Mandera and Wajir counties continue their pursuit of peace, a week-long football tournament provided a glimpse of what unity through sports can achieve. For players and spectators alike, it was a moment to reflect, reconcile, and look ahead with optimism.
In fields once scarred by conflict, a different kind of battle is unfolding not with weapons but with football. For communities previously torn apart by terror and inter-communal conflicts, sports are emerging as an unexpected yet powerful tool for peacebuilding and cohesion in Wajir County.
A week-long tournament featured local teams who competed for the esteemed Kotulo SOG Peace Cup in Kotulo village in Wajir County.
Held in Kotulo, the tournament featured four teams, each determined to showcase their skill and sportsmanship. Local leaders, including Chief Osman, commended the youth for their enthusiasm and emphasised the role of sports in fostering peace and community cohesion.
"Sports and education are your best shot at a better future," said Mzee Abdi Osman, an elder who was among hundreds of attendants. He recalled how, in his youth, poor infrastructure and negative attitudes toward education left many without opportunities. "Now things have changed. Take advantage of it. Don't waste your future."
Mzee Yarrow Gedi Bule, a village elder, reflected on his youth, recalling the challenges his generation faced due to insecurity. "Unlike in my youth, doors now stand open. Education has become a transformative force, capable of turning lives around. Please, I urge you, seize this moment, embrace learning, and channel your energy into sports, not just as a pastime but as a shield against bad company and the lure of drugs."
Earlier in the week, an inter-clan dialogue meeting presided over by the Assistant County Commissioner and the area OCS brought together elders and religious leaders from the Garre, Degodia, and Murule communities. They committed to maintaining peace, supporting government projects like the construction of the Isiolo-Mandera road, and working together to prevent extremist groups from exploiting their differences.
"If one eye is hurt, the other cannot close peacefully," said one elder, stressing the need for unity. Without it, they agreed, the region remains vulnerable to groups like Al-Shabaab, which take advantage of community divisions to recruit young people.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) played a pivotal role in supporting the initiative, recognising sports as an effective tool in preventing radicalisation. Community members echoed this sentiment, highlighting how such tournaments not only provide a positive outlet for youth but also strengthen ties between neighbouring communities.
In Boji, Sheikh Yusuf Ali Mohamed shared how terrorism, once a distant concept heard through BBC Somali, became a stark reality in his community. "We didn't see it coming. They acted like normal people until it was too late," he said.
Chief Osman urged residents to actively engage with security agencies for enhanced security. "The reason Wajir and Mandera remain secure is because of you, the people. Keep working together, report anything unusual, and don't let anyone divide you."
All participating teams received kits through the generous support of SOG Kotulo, a gesture that further cemented the commitment to empowering young people. Wazito FC emerged victorious, defeating All Stars 3-1 in the final at Kotulo Primary playground. The winners took home Ksh 20,000, a trophy, and t-shirts, while the runners-up received Ksh 15,000 and t-shirts.
Winner of the Wajir SOG peace tournament. PHOTOS/NCTC
The event, organized by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Kotulo with support from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), was not just about football. It was about giving young people an alternative to crime and radicalization.
As the final whistle blew, the tournament concluded with more than just winners on the field—there was a renewed sense of camaraderie, a testament to the resilience of a people who have long endured the shadows of insecurity. The event served as a reminder that, through sports and collective efforts, communities can reclaim their narrative and work towards a more peaceful future.
Through his representatives, NCTC Director Mr Kibiego Kigen committed to continuing work with local partners to support future activities geared toward raising public awareness on violent extremism and drying the pool of radicalization.
The overarching message throughout the tournament remained clear: "See something, say something."
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