Kenya: Cross-Border Arms Trafficking Inflames Northern Kenya's Conflict

analysis

Arms trafficking and cattle rustling are driving local conflict in Kenya's northern border county of Marsabit. Scores have been killed in the politically motivated ethnic conflict this year alone. In the latest flare-up on 25 August, 12 people died in attacks on two villages in Marsabit's Forolle settlement along the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

Some 500 head of cattle and 1 000 goats stolen from Gabra pastoralists in this attack show the link between possession of small arms and light weapons and cattle rustling, a growing form of organised crime across the region. Cattle raiding is often a cover for attackers armed with sophisticated weapons they obtain from neighbouring countries.

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