Mandera religious leaders have called for the replacement of the Somali Council of Elders. “We want elections held by end of February to give mandate to a new team who will determine the region’s political representation,” he said. About 20 elders from Mandera East are interested to be members of the new council. “As clerics, we decided to reunite the council so the elders can speak with one voice,” Issack said. Elders in Mandera enjoy a huge political sway and often determine those elected to political seats.

Source: The Star February 19, 2019 19:07 UTC