By Abdi Hussein  | Wajir Today | Monday, 9 February 2026

Mandera County has established the Mandera County Religious Council, a multi-stakeholder body tasked with promoting interfaith harmony and peacebuilding.

The Council brings together representatives from registered religious organisations, the business community, youth groups, professional associations, non-state actors, and a county-delegated secretary.

According to the framework guiding the Council, its primary mandate includes fostering dialogue and understanding among different religious groups, promoting tolerance and respect, and recommending standardized religious education programmes in Madrasas that emphasise moderation, peace, and social cohesion.

The Council will also spearhead community awareness campaigns targeting both youth and the broader public on the dangers of intolerance. It will establish youth leadership and civic engagement initiatives and support counselling, rehabilitation, and deradicalisation programmes for individuals influenced by extremist ideologies.

Mandear Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif urged the Council to collaborate closely with government agencies, law enforcement, and civil society organisations to  enhance the capacity of religious leaders, imams, and community members for peacebuilding.

The creation of the Mandera County Religious Council represents a major step towards reinforcing community-led peacebuilding and strengthening social cohesion in the county.