To commemorate the International Day of Peace 2023, which is celebrated globally on the 21st of September each year, Nomadic Assistance for peace and Development (NAPAD) in partnership with Terre des Hommes (TdH) and with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), organized a cross-border peace-building football tournament in Mandera County, Kenya. This is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24-hours of non-violence and cease-fire. This year’s theme was Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the GlobalGoals. It serves as a call to action acknowledging both our individual and collective responsibility to promote peace which will contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving these goals will create a culture of peace for all.
A total of 14 teams, representing teams from Belet Hawa and Mandera, came together to participate in the cross-border Peace Tournament. The tournament kicked off at the Geneva grounds in Mandera, with seven teams from Mandera taking part, while the other seven teams from Belethawa held their tournament at Xalanley Grounds. On World Peace Day, the enthusiastic finalists, Bulla Qardas FC from Mandera and Xalanley FC from Belet Hawa, faced off in an exhilarating match at the Geneva Grounds.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Mandera County Government Officer for Cohesion and Conflict Management, the head of social affairs in Belet Hawa, members of peace committees, peace activists, and a lively audience of more than 1,000 spectators who enthusiastically watched the game.
Nur Aadawe, the head of social affairs in Belet Hawa, spoke passionately amidst the bustling crowd. “This tournament isn’t just about competition,”He said, “it’s a unique opportunity for us to come together as neighbours from Mandera and Belet Hawa and a chance for us to exchange ideas on peace, thanks to NAPAD. Let’s seize this moment to foster unity and strengthen our communities.” His words resonated with the gathered crowd, emphasizing the importance of the event beyond the game itself.
This peace-building football match exemplifies one of the strategies employed by NAPAD to foster not only community-led peacebuilding and reconciliation but also to support sustainable peace-building efforts among conflict-affected communities in Mandera, Kenya, Belet Hawa border communities, and in Abudwak, Galguduud, Somalia. It serves as a symbol of unity and cooperation across borders, championing the principles of peace, and mutual understanding in the region. Moreover, it serves as a significant gathering where community members of all ages can come together for dialogue, allowing them the opportunity to develop and express their unique perspectives on peace and what it means to them and their communities.
Sporting events have been used as a means to bring people together through peaceful interactions and indeed, this cross-border tournament was no different. As the tournament concluded, Hussein Hassan, the Chief Officer for Cohesion and Conflict Management in Mandera County Government, emphasized the significance of peace. He passionately encouraged the youth to actively participate in and support the promotion of peace and unity among the border communities, which have primarily been experiencing conflicts and insecurity.