Analysis: Root causes of Moyale conflict including smuggling and resource exploitation

The analysis argues that the recurring conflicts in the Moyale border area are fueled by illegal economic interests rather than ethnic differences. Key drivers identified include widespread contraband smuggling, particularly the illegal trade of cannabis from Shashemene to Kenya and cross-border fuel smuggling. The text alleges that powerful networks consisting of brokers, businessmen, and government officials facilitate these illicit activities for profit. Recently discovered mineral deposits in the region are also being targeted by these criminal syndicates, who exploit ethnic tensions to displace local communities and facilitate resource theft. Furthermore, the report asserts that administrative decisions regarding the region's management are manipulated to protect these criminal interests rather than serve the public. These networks deliberately incite conflict whenever their illegal operations face disruption or competition to maintain the flow of illegal goods.