CONFLICT MANAGEMENT, RECONCILIATION AND STABILITY
Perception survey shows MCN contributing to enhanced stability
The latest edition of the MCN Annual Perception Survey was conducted in May 2021. The data on the impact of the programme is encouraging, with strong indications that many people in the communities where the programme works, believe that conflict mechanisms are functioning better than they were three years ago.
The survey of 4,850 residents of 45 LGAs across the three programme States was carried out by Practical Sampling International (PSI) over the course of six weeks in April and May 2021.
Two of the key areas where the programme is seeking to make an impact are in the stability of communities and the relevance, value and effectiveness of conflict prevention and response mechanisms.
Perceived stability has seen a small but steady increase in the past three years (from 47% to 50%) with a notable nine out of ten of 2021 respondents stating they believe that their communities are very stable or quite stable. Women have a marginally higher sense of the stability of their communities than men.
Even more impressive is the perceived relevance, value and effectiveness of conflict response mechanisms. Over half of those surveyed (54%) believe that these mechanisms are very relevant, valuable and effective. This reflects an improvement of half as much again since the baseline survey in December 2017 when the level was 36%. Men have marginally higher impressions of the value of these mechanisms than women.
Considering the multiplying difficulties faced by residents of Northeast Nigeria over the past few years, with the ongoing insurgency, struggles over land and water use and the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, to be able to demonstrate improved satisfaction levels amongst citizens is very satisfying.
More data from the survey will be shared in future newsletters.
Communities benefit from strengthening of traditional justice system
The initiatives of the Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) Programme to build the capacity of traditional rulers in conflict management have helped to improve stability and peace in communities. These were the submissions of stakeholders who participated in public engagement events organised by the programme to present the results and lessons of the capacity building initiatives in 10 out of the 12 target traditional councils in January 2021.
Participants at the events organised in conjunction with the Adamawa Emirate, Bade Emirate, Biu Emirate, Borno Emirate, Damaturu Emirate, Fika Emirate, Ganye Traditional Council, Numan Traditional Council, and Pataskum Emirate commended MCN for the training of the traditional rulers in alternative dispute resolution and establishing the record keeping centres, which have enabled the traditional councils to document cases of disputes resolved.
Stakeholders at the 10 events included traditional rulers, local government council officials, representatives of security agencies, representatives of paramilitary institutions, civil society organisations, and the media. The results presented at the events showed that 2,330 traditional rulers of different cadres have received training on alternative dispute resolution. The direct beneficiaries have handled 35,834 cases and 87% of the cases were successfully resolved.
The engagement events also provided platforms to share experiences on how the capacity building initiatives have enhanced collaboration between traditional rulers and formal justice institutions. Examples were given of increasing the referral of cases to traditional rulers from the Magistrate and High courts. Knowledge gained has exposed traditional rulers to the obligation to refer criminal matters to the courts, including those related to sexual offences.
The participants also expressed appreciation for the fact that the traditional rulers continued to provide dispute resolution services during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown when formal courts were largely not functioning. Availability of their services helped to enhance security and the orderly resolution of issues during the trying period.
Given the results recorded many participants at the events used the opportunity to ask for an extension of the capacity building support to other traditional institutions as well as other dispute resolution service providers. The demands for support were made by both benefitting and non-benefiting traditional councils. For instance, His Royal Highness Alhaji Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, Emir of Biu requested for the capacity building initiative to be extended to 21 Districts of the Emirate Council that had not yet benefitted.
The MCN Programme assured the stakeholders that the capacity building initiative was a pilot programme intended to produce results and lessons that will encourage replication. Consequently, the programme is engaging with the state governments to explore opportunities for institutionalisation of capacity building interventions for all traditional councils.
In furtherance of the plan to sustain the initiative, the programme has supported the training of district heads of traditional councils that were not targeted in the initial trainings. The programme has also supported the Councils of Traditional Rulers in the three states to develop a code of conduct that will guide the conduct of traditional rulers.
‘The evidence of the impact of the intervention is that more people take cases to traditional rulers than before when they would go the courts.’
Chief Sunday Adeyandu, Chairman, Yoruba Community, Biu, Borno State
‘Under the Correctional Services Act, mediation services are required for non-custodial cases. The lessons learned from the training of traditional rulers on ADR will be useful.’
ASP A.D. Idris, Nigeria Correctional Services, Biu. Borno State
‘This initiative has led to improved cooperation between traditional rulers, the police and the courts. All these justice actors now have a functional case referral system.’
Abdu Ibrahim Farashi, Registrar, Sharia Court, Fika, Yobe State
‘I have observed that there is much patronage of dispute resolution services provided by traditional rulers because they promote reconciliation and harmony. There are no sentences that will lead to inter-generational discord.’
Officer, Department of State Service, Ganye, Adamawa State
CPSP initiatives prevent attacks by insurgents
The initiatives of the Community Peace and Safety Partnerships (CPSP) to address growing concerns about the breach of a ban on the use of motorbikes in the Maiduguri metropolis has contributed to the prevention of insurgent attacks. Civil and military authorities initiated the ban because motorbikes were the main means of transport used by members of the insurgent groups that were attacking communities and military bases.
At its meeting in February 2021, the CPSP in Maiduguri raised concerns that recent attacks by insurgents were linked to violations of the ban by security personnel, especially the military and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). Community members reported that they could not raise alarm when the insurgents were coming because they thought the persons on motorbikes were security personnel. There were also concerns that criminal elements had access to the uniforms of the CJTF and this was affecting community policing efforts.
Following stakeholder advocacy engagements undertaken by the CPSP, the leadership of the CJTF organised a meeting of sector commanders to restate the need to enforce the ban on use of motorcycle and ensure strict control of access to uniforms. The matter was also raised at the state security council meeting presided over by the governor. The council resolved those commanders of military formations should remind security personnel of the ban and enforce it among their rank and file.
Consequently, the commander of the Joint Task Force in Maiduguri has issued a circular to security units to enforce the ban on use of motorbikes. In the circular, the commander threatened sanctions for commanding officers of divisions where there are violations. Feedback indicates improved compliance.
‘Soldiers and CJTF members used to come to the market on motorcycles to buy things. I have noticed that we rarely see them now. Until you told me, I didn’t know that the military had started enforcing the ban on use of motorcycles. Now, I know why they don’t come with bikes again.’
Tashan Bama, Trader, Maiduguri
‘The ban will help us in securing the city because we will no longer be in doubt that anyone using a motorcycle is a suspected member of insurgent groups.’
Bulunkutu Kasuwa, community member, Maiduguri
Yobe stakeholders commend CPSP initiatives for enhancing security and safety
Stakeholders drawn from 10 local government councils in Yobe State, security services and community leaders have commended the efforts of community peace and safety partnership (CPSP) platforms to enhance security and safety in the state. They gave the commendation at the results and lessons workshop on initiatives of the CPSP platforms in Yobe State, which was held on 29 June 2021 in Damaturu. The workshop was organised by the Community Support Foundation of Nigeria (COSFON), the North East Youth Initiative Foundation (NEYIF), and the Initiative for Support of the Needy, Widows, Orphans and Less Privileged (INOL) the conveners of the 10 CPSP platforms, with the support of MCN.
Participants, who included five Local Government chairpersons, reviewed the reports of results of actions undertaken by the CPSP platforms in Bade, Damaturu, Fika, Fune, Geidam, Gujba, Gulani, Nguru, Potiskum, and Tarmuwa LGAs. They affirmed the relevance of the early warning and early response approach adopted by the CPSPs to tackle security and safety challenges in the state. The stakeholders pledged their commitment to supporting the platforms and contributing to their sustainability after the support provided by the MCN programme.
‘At my maiden security meeting, all the stakeholders lauded the effort of the platform in addressing safety and security concerns in our communities. After spending some months in office now, I have personally experienced the contributions of CPSP to peace and security. This is a platform worthy of sustaining.’
Honourable Halima Kyari Jodda, Executive Chairperson, Fika Local Government Council
‘We are pleased with what the CPSPs are doing and appreciate their contribution to entrenching peace and security across Yobe State.’
Yusuf B. Tukur, Assistant Director, State Security Services, Yobe Command
Some of the initiatives of the Yobe CPSP platforms are presented below.
Bade CPSP addresses community concerns on quality of road construction
The Community Peace and Safety Partnership (CPSP) in Bade received a report of grievances expressed on social media by youths who were unhappy about sub-standard work done by construction companies. Members feared complaints could lead to violent attacks on the construction companies. The CPSP decided to engage the local government council to mobilise its enlightenment unit to educate the public on the need to channel complaints through appropriate channels.
The local government council deployed its enlightenment unit to organise the sensitization activities. The CPSP also raised concerns on the quality of work with the construction companies and government officials who contracted them.
Feedback from members of the platform indicate that the community members are seeing changes in service delivery by construction companies. The change has been linked to a warning issued by Senator Ahmed Lawan, the Senate President who is originally from the area, while inspecting projects that contractors executing sub-standard projects will have their contracts revoked.
‘We are thankful to the CPSP for raising this concern. The construction companies have improved the services they are delivering based on their contractual agreements.’
Muazu Muhammad, Bade LGA Social Welfare Officer
Gujba CPSP address concerns of proliferation of arms and weapons
In Gujba, the initiatives of the community peace and safety partnerships (CPSP) has helped to allay concerns of the people on the proliferation of weapons in the area. At its April meeting, it was reported that some unidentified persons were openly selling weapons in the market.
Consequently, the district police offer (DPO) initiated an investigation which showed that this information was not true but was based on an unfounded alarm. While reporting to the CPSP at the May meeting, the DPO said the weapons were displayed by hunters in their joint while selling animals after hunting. The report of the DPO has helped to allay the concerns of the community.
‘We are grateful to the CPSP for bringing this to our notice. Although no one has been apprehended manufacturing local guns, we have intensified patrol and intelligence gathering in and around the market areas where these guns are allegedly manufactured.’
DSP Bitrus M. Sale, Divisional Police Office, Gujba
Gujba CPSP promotes enforcement of laws to protect the environment
The Community Peace and Safety Partnership (CPSP) in Gujba has contributed to stemming the rising incidences of the violation of laws on cutting trees to protect the environment. This followed a report made at its meeting in April 2021. The platform agreed to engage the chairman of the local government council on the enforcement of the laws on environmental protection.
During the advocacy meeting with the chairman, it was agreed that the council will refer the matter to the Commissioner of Environment. In addition, the chairman mandated the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to strictly enforce the law prohibiting indiscriminate cutting of trees.
At the meeting of May 2021, members reported that the police have initiated enforcement campaigns that led to the seizure of a truckload of live trees.
‘Since the directive of the Local Government Chairman, the police have made arrests and culprits have been penalized. The practice of cutting live trees for commercial purposes has reduced to the barest minimum.’
Mohammed Ali Yusuf, Secretary, Gujba Emirate Council, Gujba
Gulani CPSP prevents conflict between famers and herders
The Community Peace and Safety Partnership (CPSP) in Gulani LGA has taken measures to prevent clashes between farmers and herders in the locality. This followed a report presented at its meeting held in December 2020 on the risks of violent conflicts arising from the damage to crops by herders passing through the area with their cattle.
The platform agreed to report the concern to the local government council authorities to intervene. The council helped to make the migratory herders use the official grazing routes to avoid encroachment on farmlands and destruction of crops that could lead to clashes. Feedback from members at the April 2021 meeting indicate that there has been no report of destruction of crops since the intervention.
‘We have not received any case of conflict between farmers and herders on the issue of herders trespassing into farms and destroying farm produces since December 2020. We are grateful for the support of the CPSP on this issue.’
ASP Mohammed Bello, Divisional Police Office, Gulani LGA
ADDRESSING SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Stakeholders engage governors on assent to legislations to address sexual and gender-based violence
The Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) Programme has supported stakeholder engagements for facilitating executive assent to legislations required to address sexual and gender- based violence (SGBV). These are the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) passed by the legislatures in Adamawa and Yobe States as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and Child Protection Law passed by the Yobe State House of Assembly.
On 25 June 2021, MCN facilitated a stakeholder meeting with Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Yobe State House in Abuja. The high-level stakeholders briefed the governor on the objectives of the laws and secured his assurance to give assent to the law. The governor who expressed appreciation for the efforts of the MCN programme and other development partners in Yobe State used the occasion to empanel an advisory committee to ensure effective coordination between the state government and development partners. He nominated Prof. Muhammed Tabiu, National Programme Manager of MCN, to serve as honorary member of the advisory committee.
In Adamawa State, the programme supported a civil society stakeholder meeting with the First Lady of Adamawa State aimed at advocating for assent to the VAPP bill passed by the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
Stakeholders commend plans to establish six new sexual assault referral centres
Stakeholders have commended the MCN Programme for commencing plans for the establishment of six additional sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. The initiative is based on the need to increase access of victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to medical treatment and psycho-social support.
Many victims of SGBV who live in remote locations have challenges accessing services at the SARCs currently located in the state capitals. The plan is for SARC services to be taken closer to the communities by establishing a SARC in each senatorial district of the states. This will bring to nine the total number of SARCs supported by MCN in the three states.
The MCN Programme supported stakeholder engagements of the SARC Steering Committee with State Ministries of Health to agree on locations for the new SARCs and allocate buildings in government hospitals that will be refurbished and converted to SARCs. The locations identified are Michika and Numan in Adamawa State, Biu and Monguno in Borno State; and Bade and Potiskum in Yobe State. The MCN Programme has also supported assessment visits to facilities designated for use in Adamawa and Yobe States.
‘Given the great impact of the existing SARC, we are happy that victims of SGBV in Northern and Southern Borno who cannot travel to Maiduguri will be able to get treatment and support nearer their communities.’
Hajiya Falmata Hamza, Director, Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs
COMMUNITY POLICING INITIATIVES
Community accountability forums address issues affecting security service delivery
Initiatives of the Community Accountability Forums (CAFs) convened by the Community Support Foundation of Nigeria (COSFON) in Yobe State with the support of Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) Programme are contributing to delivery of security and community policing services.
In Potiskum, the CAF held in December 2020 provided an opportunity for members of the public to present a complaint on the extortion reportedly perpetrated by traffic wardens. The CAF was informed that the traffic wardens were extorting money from commercial tricycle and vehicle operators who brought passengers from rural communities to Potiskum town.
The Steering Committee engaged the police and traffic control authorities on the complaint and received assurances that action will be taken to stop the practice. During the CAF held in June 2021, participants reported that the illegal extortion is no longer taking place in the town as officers were complying with the directive to stop extortion.
In Nguru, the CAF facilitated a response to a complaint presented at the forum, which was held in December 2020 that some persons involved in crime were being harboured in homes of some highly placed individuals in the community.
It was reported that the highly placed individuals were not regular residents and may not be aware that the caretakers of their properties have rented them to persons of questionable character. Residency in such houses provided a cover for the criminals as unsuspecting members of the public will not easily notice their criminal activities.
The CAF agreed that the Emirate Council should be contacted to engage with the caretakers of the properties to eject the tenants and subject future tenants to more checks.
During the CAF meeting in June 2021, it was reported that the persons have been ejected from the property following the intervention of the Emirate Council.
‘We have been complaining to the authorities about the activities of the caretakers, but no appropriate actions were taken. We are grateful to the CAF for coming to our aid. Since the roundtable, the caretakers have kept their promise of not harbouring criminals.’’
Mustapha Madu, Resident, Nguru GRA, Nguru
In Bade, the intervention of the CAF helped to diffuse tension that would have led to the destruction of telecommunications equipment required for effective law enforcement and community policing. This followed the complaint of residents of Sabon Gari in Gashua that operators of the telecommunications equipment had neglected their privacy concerns and operated the equipment without giving residents notices.
At the CAF held in December 2020, the residents asked to be notified whenever operators would climb the equipment so they can take necessary measures to warn residents from using bathrooms during the period to avoid being exposed. This is because most bathrooms in the houses do not have roofs and the culture of the community is that anyone climbing a high elevation, such as trees and roofs, must give prior notice.
During the June 2021 meeting, residents reported that there has been no incident of exposure following the engagement of the CAF Steering Committee with the operators of the telecommunications equipment.
‘Before now, engineers of telecommunication companies climb their masts without notifying community members whose residences are under the masts. Since the intervention of the CAF, the engineers now notify community members whenever they are going to work on their masts.’
Yerima Abba Kyari, District Head of Dagona, Gashua
Improved coordination between formal and informal security contributes to community policing
Stakeholders at quarterly coordination meetings with the voluntary policing sector (VPS) groups, the police and civil defence in Girei, Gombi, Madagali and Mubi North have reported improvements in crime prevention due to improved coordination. The meetings which were held in April 2021 across the four local councils were organised by the Al Hakeem Foundation with support from the MCN Programme.
Notable among success stories recorded are the arrest of 10 suspected members of the insurgent group in Madagali by a combined team of the vigilante and hunters in the locality. The suspects were handed over to the military. The Madagali groups also helped in the arrest of six suspected bandits and recovery of 30 cattle they had stolen.
In Mubi North, the VPS groups collaborated with the police and military to arrest a suspected member of the insurgent group and four persons suspected to be involved in snatching of commercial tricycles. All suspects were arrested and handed over to the military and police for prosecution.
In all the four localities, the coordination meetings also led to screening of membership of the vigilante and hunters’ association to address reported infiltration by criminal elements. In Mubi North, the exercise led to the identification of 87 persons who were operating illegally as members of the vigilante and hunters' association.
‘The efforts to make the vigilantes and hunters work well with the security agencies have led to more arrests of criminals and the reduction of incidents of crime in our area.’
Alhaji Muazu Ardo, District Head of Mubi, Mubi North LGA
‘We are now working better with the police and vigilantes to prevent crime and ensure there are no hideouts for insurgents in Mubi.’
Mamman Muhammed, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mubi
‘Our collaboration with the vigilantes and hunters has produced good results. They have contributed to the arrest and detention of suspected members of Boko Haram and cattle rustlers.’
Christopher Sharubutu, Divisional Police Office, Madagali LGA
‘Criminals are now avoiding this area because of increased arrests arising from the cooperation between the security agencies and our local vigilantes and hunters.’
Alhaji Bello Black, District Head, Gulak, Madagali LGA
MCN supports voluntary policing groups with equipment and COVID-19 prevention items
The MCN Programme has provided operational equipment and COVID-19 personal protection equipment to voluntary policing sector (VPS) groups in Yobe State. The items, made up of 850 pairs of paramilitary boots, 850 raincoats, 850 torchlights and batteries, 340 packs of hand sanitisers, hand wash and face masks, were presented at a special event at the State Arts and Culture Centre on 21 June 2021. The donation was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the VPS groups to support law enforcement in the state.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Government of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Bare Gubana, the Deputy Governor thanked the European Union and British Council for the kind gesture. He lauded the efforts of the vigilante groups to support law enforcement agencies to deliver their duties of securing life and property. He assured that the state government will continue to provide all the necessary equipment for the effective performance of the vigilante groups.
The MCN Programme has so far supported VPS groups in the state with training aimed at enhancing their capacity to coordinate with formal security agencies, protect rights and manage crime scenes. The MCN Programme has also developed COVID-19 protocols for the operation of VPS groups during the pandemic. Stakeholders are also being engaged to develop a code of conduct for the operations of VPS groups in the state.
‘The items given to us will help to boost our morale and enhance our capacity to ensure that our communities are protected against attacks by insurgents and criminals.’
Idrissa Buba, Commander, Hunters Group, Yobe State
YOUTH PEACE INITIATIVES
MCN supports youth peace and arts festival in Yobe State
The Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) Programme supported the hosting of the 2021 Yobe State Peace and Arts festival (YOPAFEST). The festival, which was held in Damaturu on 22- 24 June 2021, brought together 50 young people involved in student union and civil society activism, visual arts, poetry and entrepreneurship. The festival was organised by the Yobe State Council for Arts and Culture in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The festival featured panel discussions, arts and crafts exhibition, cultural display, fashion parade, food tasting, reading of poems, book presentation, and presentation of the Literary Personality of Year Award. The panel discussion sessions provided opportunity for the young people to debate on ‘journalism and the importance of narratives from the victim’s perspective’, ‘insecurity and poverty among youths’, ‘education and equality in a time of crisis’, ‘identity and cultural inclusion’, ‘a future that is female: harnessing the potential of the Northern woman’, and ‘youth in governance: learning and unlearning.’
After the three-day event, the participants appreciated the organisers for the opportunity they had to learn about how they can constructively engage in their communities to promote peace and stability. They also appreciated the knowledge gained on opportunities for entrepreneurship in arts and culture given the limited opportunities for employment in the state.
MCN’s support for the initiative is in response to the recommendations of a study it commissioned on youth alienation and violent conflict in Yobe State. The study recommended innovative approaches for engaging youths to address feelings of social exclusion and alienation, which contributes to the mobilization of young persons into violence.
PROMOTING POLICY FOR PEACE AND SECURITY
MCN supports review of penal code and criminal justice process law in Borno State
In furtherance of its objective of enhancing the capacity of actors and institutions involved in conflict management, the Managing Conflict of Nigeria (MCN) Programme has supported stakeholder initiatives for the revision of the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Law in Borno State. The programme supported a workshop on the review of the laws organised by the Borno State Judiciary and Borno Justice Sector Reform Team in Maiduguri on 29 June to 1 July 2021.
The workshop, which was declared open by the Honourable Justice Kashim Zannah, the Chief Judge of Borno State, drew participants from the Borno State Ministry of Justice, the Borno State Judiciary, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the media, and civil society organisations.
Stakeholders noted that Borno State does not have the challenge of prison congestion as in other states, due to the speedy assignment of cases, the abolition of holding charges and the effective use of technological tools. However, there was need that existing laws be subjected to scrutiny and
reviewed by stakeholders with a view to updating their provisions to contemporary realities and ensure the speedy and effective dispensation of justice. The revised laws will be forwarded to the State House of Assembly as executive bills for adoption.
‘This workshop has given all stakeholders in the criminal justice sector an opportunity to contribute to the review process. This will enhance stakeholder buy-in, acceptance and seamless implementation.’
Hon. Justice Haruna Y. Mshelia, Chairman, Borno State Justice Sector Reform Team
Stakeholders adopt findings of study on community resilience initiatives in North East
Stakeholders at the dissemination workshops organised for the presentation of findings and recommendations of a study on community resilience and peacebuilding initiatives in North East Nigeria have adopted the report. The dissemination workshops, organised by Nextier SPD with support from the Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) Programme, were held in Maiduguri on 25 January 2021 and in Abuja on 27 January 2021.
The study was aimed at finding initiatives of communities, government and development partner support programmes that have enhanced the prospects for resilience and peacebuilding in the states.
The research found that communities have adopted different coping mechanisms in response to the challenges in their environments and these coping mechanisms have enhanced resilience.
Find out more about the highlights of the research findings in this policy brief and video here
Report of study on non-violent resolution of the insurgency presented to stakeholders
Stakeholders have adopted the findings and recommendations of a study on the options for non-violent resolution of the insurgency in North East Nigeria. The dissemination workshops, organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from the MCN Programme, were held in Abuja and Damuturu on 26 January 2021, in Yola on 28 July 2021, in Maiduguri on 29 January 2021, and in Kano on 4 February 2021.
The study was commissioned by the MCN Programme to identify options for ending the decade old insurgency in the region through dialogue and reconciliation given the protracted counter-insurgency operations. The research focussed on states worse affected by the violence-Borno, Adamawa and Yobe as well as Kano that had experience successful containment of the insurgency.
The study sought to answer seven interrelated questions:
- What is the stage of the conflict in each state?
- What is the position of key stakeholders on dialogue and reconciliation as options for ending the conflict?
- Which actors can best promote dialogue?
- What are the best approaches of engaging these actors?
- What are the demands of major actors in the insurgency and how feasible are their demands?
- What risks are associated with dialogue and reconciliation approaches and how can these risks be mitigated?
- Which actors should be engaged in dialogue and reconciliation initiatives?
The study found that much progress has been recorded in counter-insurgency operations. However, the resettlement of displaced communities remains a challenge because of the residual capacity of insurgency groups to attack both civilian and military targets. It also established that addressing the insurgency has been complicated by the variety of actors involved and their complex motivations. The study found that though there are significant concerns among stakeholders on the prospects of dialogue and reconciliation by insurgent groups, most people would welcome the approach if properly engaged. It recommended different approaches and actors that should be engaged in the search for non-violent resolution.
Read more about the study findings in this policy brief here
‘This report has correctly shown that some progress has been made by the security agencies in fighting the insurgents but we need dialogue to bring it to an end because we should not fight violence with violence alone.’
Uzairu Abdullahi, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kano State
Tribute: Alhaji Bashir Dahiru Tukur
With heavy hearts, the Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) Programme announces the death of a valued partner and stakeholder: Alhaji Bashir Dahiru Tukur.
Until his sudden death on 25th June 2021, Alhaji Bashir Dahiru Tukur was the facilitator of the Community Peace and Safety Partnerships (CPSP) platform in Michika LGA, Adamawa State.
A renowned educationist, Alhaji Tukur was special adviser to Adamawa State Governor on Education and a retired permanent secretary in the Adamawa State Ministry of Education. He was also a respected community leader and held the title of Chiroman Michika. He brought his wide and longstanding experience in the public service and community leadership to bear on the role of facilitating the early warning and early response platform.
He worked with the Murmushi Peoples Development Foundation, the conveners of the platform, to mobilise stakeholders to participate in the platform and to engage stakeholders to respond to issues identified as necessary for enhancement of security, peace and safety.
He was committed to peace in the North East and served in various capacities to promote peace education and meet the needs of internally displaced persons.
The Chiroman Michika died in active service as he was preparing to attend the meeting of the CPSP when he felt the need to seek urgent medical attention.
We will dearly miss Chiroman Michika and his peaceworks. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
