ABIDJAN, June 27 (Xinhua/GNA) — Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea have launched a field data collection operation as part of efforts to finalize the delimitation of their 610-kilometer shared border, said Diakalidia Konate, executive secretary of Cote d’Ivoire’s National Borders Commission.

A joint technical commission has already agreed on a theoretical border line between the two countries, and “a team of experts from both countries will begin the technical reconnaissance along this entire border this Wednesday,” Konate said Tuesday.

The team, which has been deployed since June 16, will travel the full length of the border to gather geographic coordinate points. “This will allow for refining the theoretical line and finalizing the definitive border line between the two countries,” Konate said during a ceremony marking African Border Day in the village of Gbapleu, located near the tri-border area of Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia.

Speaking about Liberia, situated to the southwest of Cote d’Ivoire, Konate said that the land border was originally delineated by France during the colonial period. “It is simply a matter of updating the data to reaffirm this border by rebuilding new markers to replace those currently existing,” he said.

Konate said that the absence, of clearly demarcated borders often leads to disputes over land and the management of shared natural resources, particularly water and forests.
GNA

NAIROBI, June 27, (Xinhua/GNA) — Kenyan President William Ruto, appealed for calm and restraint following the outbreak of protests on Wednesday, in

major towns across the East African country.

“I urge all citizens to reject violence and destruction of public property. We have only one Kenya to build, and its progress depends on our

collective restraint,” said Ruto.

While the Kenyan government has yet to release any injury or casualty figures, local media reported that two people were killed, scores of others

injured, and property worth millions destroyed amid the chaos.

The protests, which erupted in various towns, saw thousands of people take to the streets, carrying placards and chanting songs.

According to local media outlet Citizen, one man died after police opened fire on protesters in Matuu Town of Machakos County, while a student was

killed in Molo Town of Nakuru County.

The protests were said to mark one year, since Kenyans expressed their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, through widespread demonstrations, which

ultimately led to its withdrawal by Ruto.

“We are here to honor those killed in 2024. It has been one year since the protests. People are still being abducted. It seems nothing has changed,”

said Cyril Kadome, one of the protesters.

Normal business was forced to a standstill in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, as well as in other major towns, including Nyeri, Eldoret, Machakos, Mombasa,

Kakamega, Narok, Kajiado, and Kisii.

In Nairobi, shops in the central business district and most residential areas were closed, and motorists were kept off the road, with protesters

starting to pour onto the streets from as early as 7:00 a.m. local time.

Earlier, Inspector-General of National Police Service Douglas Kanja noted that while the Kenyan constitution allows citizens the right to peaceful

and lawful assembly, any contrary conduct violates the law, and security officers shall prevent any breach of peace.

Kanja warned against unauthorized persons attempting to access protected areas, such as Parliament and State House, and urged protesters to refrain

from acts that would provoke the police, while they are conducting their duties.

Kipchumba Murkomen, cabinet secretary at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, said the government will do everything to protect

everyone and their livelihoods.
GNA