The success of peacebuilding in Alex will require reciprocal action from all who may be involved in fanning violent conflict.
This was said by Lucia Poko of NPO PeaceBuilders, an affiliate of the national Action Support Group whose role is to broker peace between warring parties including between residents and foreign nationals. Often such conflicts result in xenophobic sentiments which sometimes result in deadly violence.
“We intervene between parties involved in conflict and misunderstanding including over housing and evictions from shacks and businesses,” Poko said.
She added that there would be a crime summit on 24 November for all stakeholders including Community Police Forums, police and Metro police. The engagement, Poko said, would explore all forms of crime and seek sustainable solutions to ensure peace among residents of all nationalities.
“We hope it will help to reduce tensions, encourage residents to negotiate on their differences often resulting from stressful living conditions.” She urged foreign nationals who were transient migrants to also engage in the process. This to reduce their vulnerability to criminals who regard them as easy targets because many are afraid to report crime fearing they will be arrested as some of them are undocumented.
“Also, they [foreigners] should respect local cultures, integrate and resolve problems through negotiations rather than violence which often prompts violent reaction resulting in unnecessary deaths.”
Details of the summit venue will be announced later.
