CONFLICT MANAGEMENT, RECONCILIATION AND STABILITY
Traditional justice system records growing public confidence
The Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) Programme’s interventions to strengthen the capacity of traditional rulers in undertaking alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is contributing to enhanced public confidence in the traditional justice system. The programme has supported the training of 2,111 traditional rulers from 12 emirates in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states (as at July 2019). The newly introduced record keeping system (Sulhu Scribe) has recorded 3,809 cases out of which 3,246 (representing 85%) have been effectively resolved.
The positive result of the training is also evidenced by the increasing number of cases where the traditional rulers referred the disputes to the courts and other responsible agencies for resolution (5 per cent of cases received). The figures provide evidence for the important role that the traditional rulers continue to play in maintaining security and stability in their communities. The data has been made possible through MCN support provided to the Emirates and Chiefdoms to develop and maintain record keeping centres. The programme has so far supported the training of 1,626 scribes to service the centres that were established for each emirate and chiefdom. Feedback from stakeholders shows growing public confidence in the traditional justice system:
‘The police now refer cases of disputes in the market to me. I have received 25 cases from the police and five from the courts.’
Abbati Babati, Sarkin Kasuwa, Potiskum, Yobe state‘Non-indigenes, elites and civil servants are fast recognizing the benefits of sulhu and voluntarily accepting its jurisdiction.’
Alhaji Hassan Sabo, Fika Emirate, Yobe state
Post-training evaluation shows positive impact of training of traditional rulers
MCN conducted a post-training evaluation exercise following the training of traditional rulers (TRs) in Borno State in November and December 2017. The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the usefulness, impact and relevance of the training and the extent to which the participants have put the learning from the training into practice, in the period since the event. In July 2019, the post-training evaluation questionnaires were sent out to the 100 TRs (all male) that attended the training. Fifty-eight questionnaires were completed and sent back. The broad results of the evaluation are encouraging with 57 out of the 58 respondents stating that the training was beneficial to their work. Around one quarter of respondents (14) said the training has promoted the integrity of community leaders.
Fifty-two respondents (90%) said they have resolved disputes involving women since the training. A key learning point was the benefit of bringing the parties together (38% of respondents) and being able to acquire skills to encourage the parties in marital disputes to be tolerant with each other (41%). Ninety-three per cent of respondents (54/58) said the way in which they relate with unemployed youths has changed since they received the training. Forty-six respondents (79%) reported that their relationship with security and justice agencies has improved since the training. 32 of these mentioned the improved collaboration between TRs and these agencies and how cases are referred in either direction.
Twenty-nine respondents (50%) said that they have handled one or more disputes involving IDPs since the training. Fixty-five percent (55%) of these cases involved IDP disputes and 28% related to relocation of IDPs back to their communities. Forty-nine respondents (84%) said they have become more efficient in the way they do their work and 43 respondents (74%) said they had shared the learning with other colleagues. Most participants are applying their learnings when they are resolving disputes and using the many different alternate dispute resolution (ADR) techniques to better manage difficult clients.
The findings showed that the TRs feel better prepared to handle cases involving women, young people and IDPs. All of these are very important if the traditional justice system is to retain its relevance in the communities in the north east. The overall conclusion from this evaluation is that the training was well-received and the learnings have been put into practice by the participants.
ADDRESSING SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Family support units effectively responding to sexual offences
In September and October 2018, MCN trained 63 police officers (44 female / 19 male) from 11 police stations selected for the introduction of Family Support Units (FSUs). The Family Support Units are specialist units within a police station that deal with sensitive cases involving children or vulnerable adults. Many of these cases are sexual offences.
As well as training, MCN has also helped to establish appropriate infrastructure in many FSUs, including private interview rooms and facilities for children. Those FSUs that operate in close proximity to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) have developed good working relationships with the SARC and are the conduit for casework that comes to the SARC where the victim of sexual assault wishes the matter to be reported to the police. Since December 2018, five FSUs have reported details of their sexual offences casework since they became fully operational. The table below summarises the data available up to May 2019.
The majority of victims are female (81%) and all but three of the cases involve victims under the age of 18 (93% of cases where age was reported), a clear indication of the vulnerability of young people, especially young girls to these offences. Encouragingly, nearly half of the cases dealt with were referred to the FSU from a SARC, suggesting the key relationship between the SARC and the police is becoming well established (especially as many of the FSUs are some distance from the SARCs). The police have also shown their preparedness to actively pursue suspects in these cases with arrests being made in 75% of cases and suspects being charged to court in 33% of cases. These ratios far exceed those typically seen across Nigeria. FSUs have great potential to play a key role in the investigation of sexual offences and by providing a sensitive and empathic environment are meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in society whose lives have been affected by the horror of sexual assault.
SARC Steering Committees record success in advocacy to address sexual and gender-based violence
Sexual Assault Referral Centres Steering Committees that have been established in the three states to lead advocacy for policy and practice changes required to address sexual and genderbased violence (SGBV) are making progress in the midst of grave challenges. Notable is the successful advocacy for the establishment of new SARCs in Yobe State. Following the recognition that more SARCs are needed to address rising incidence of SGBV in the state, the SARC Steering Committee engaged the State Ministry of Health to advocate for establishment of SARCs. The result is that the State Government has designated 7 health facilities in the state where SARCs will be established. Medical personnel have been deployed to service the centres.
Moreover, the Yobe SARC Steering Committee has successfully engaged stakeholders to strengthen the penalty for sexual offences. The State legislature has passed into law a reformed penal code which stipulates heavier penalties for perpetrators of sexual offences, especially against minors. The heavy sanction for offences against minors was considered necessary because of its prevalence. Records from the SARCs show that 106 out of 134 (80%) clients attended to in the SARCs were minors aged 1-17 years.
The Yobe SARC has also contributed to a review of the court proceedings on cases of sexual offences. Following reports that medical doctors were declining invitation to courts to serve as witnesses due to protracted hearings, the Yobe State judiciary has amended the hearing process. Medical personnel are now given preference in court sessions to enable them to return to their duties in the hospitals.
In Borno State, the SARC Steering Committee has successfully influenced the provision of a safe house for survivors of SGBV, who previously faced aggravated trauma of continuing to live in the same environment with persons that assaulted them. As a result of advocacy by the lobby group, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has provided a residential facility for survivors in Maiduguri. Survivors will be allowed to spend up to six months in the first instance in the safe house. So far, 5 survivors from the Borno SARC (N3ELEWACentre) are recuperating in the safe house.
COMMUNITY POLICING AND DIALOGUE INITIATIVES
Community Accountability Forum contributes to improved perception of security
The Community Accountability Forum (CAF) established in Jere LGA, Borno State is contributing to enhancement of resident perception of security and safety. When the forum was convened in March 2019, residents complained about rising incidence of crime in their neighbourhood. Rising insecurity had affected safety of property in residential areas as well as security of farm produce in farms and barns. Several community members who spoke at the forum attributed the rising crime wave to poor presence of security in the communities as well as lack of opportunities for young persons. A representative of the police at the platform reported that the efforts of the security services to combat crime was affected by the non-cooperative attitude of residents in providing information to security operatives. This partly stemmed from mutual suspicion and distrust between the police and the community.
The Forum agreed to advocate for the deployment of more formal and informal security personnel to the area and to facilitate public enlightenment on public involvement in security through information sharing and cooperation with security agencies. The steering committee of the CAF was mandated to engage the respective responsible agencies to advocate for deployment of police and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and sensitisation of community members by traditional and religious leaders to report suspected threats to security to appropriate authorities. Some of the religious leaders and traditional rulers also met with youths to warn them to desist from criminal activities and enlist in efforts to promote security. As a result of the concerted action by CAF stakeholders, residents now report improved security:
‘We have seen more community youths and police patrolling in the night. Sometimes they stop by and talk to us reassuring us of security. We now feel more secured at night and can move freely.’ Hassan Musa, resident, Wachama garden in Jere LGA
‘The police now have more presence and are closer to the people. Considering the improvement, we are soliciting to extend the night patrol to neighbouring communities.’ Bulama Babakura Imam, village head, Old Maiduguri, Wachama garden in Jere LGA
The CAF is offering communities opportunities to engage with security agencies on service delivery and enabling security agencies to forge cooperative partnerships with communities for greater ffectiveness and accountability. MCN has facilitated the establishment of 6 CAFs (two in each state). Lessons learned and the interest of members of the public who defy the security risks to congregate in public squares and town halls to hold the CAF meetings has encouraged the programme to extend the CAFs to other locations. Consequently, MCN has partnered with communities to establish four more CAFs in Adamawa and Yobe States. The new CAFs are operating in Nguru and Potiskum LGAs in Yobe State and Maiha and Michika LGAs in Adamawa State. Twentyfour steering committee members for the two LGAs in Adamawa were trained in a workshop organised by MCN partners CLEEN Foundation andCommunity Reach-out Initiative in Yola on 30-31 July 2019.
Voluntary policing sector groups help communities combat crime
MCN has engaged 42 voluntary policing sector (VPS) groups in the three states to enhance their contribution to community policing. The engagement has led to the training of 427 VPS members and facilitation of coordination meetings between VPS groups and formal security institutions in target LGAs. The programme is also supporting advocacy for the development of guidelines for the operations of the voluntary policing sector groups.
The programme has also facilitated engagement with government stakeholders to mobilise support for the VPS groups. During the period, two success stories were recorded in Geidam and Nguru LGAs in Yobe State. In Geidam LGA, advocacy undertaken after a monthly coordination meeting in which the issue of welfare of VPS groups was raised, provided positive results as the local government chairman authorised the commencement of payment of monthly allowances to the VPS members.
In Nguru LGA, the VPS coordination meeting identified the lack of a driver to provide support for the movements of VPS groups. When the implications were presented to the chairman of the local government area, the recruitment of a driver was authorised to support movement of VPS members in patrol vehicles provided for them.
The results of a quarterly assessment conducted for the VPS groups show there is improvement in the perception of their involvement in community policing, their promotion and protection of rights of suspects, their understanding of the laws, and referral of cases to formal security institutions. This is evidenced by the following feedback from stakeholders:
‘I have observed improved relationships amongst the various VPS groups. For instance, in Bajabure Estate at Girei, the Vigilante Group and Hunters Association jointly provide night watch for the people and this has really reduced the rate of kidnapping in the area.’ Dr. Saheed Owonikoko, VPS Mentor, Adamawa state
‘I witnessed a case of sexual assault in the Dalori camp where people wanted to kill the perpetrator. The CJTF intervened by arresting the boy and handing him over to the police. They also took the young girl to the Air Force Clinic inside the camp for examination. It is important to note the culprit could have been killed by the mob had the vigilantes not intervened.’ Dr. Yagana Bukar, VPS Mentor, Borno state
‘Our vigilante and hunter groups are now trained, and they use skills acquired in solving the security challenges in Geidam. In recognition of their effort, the local government now provides monthly allowance and working materials for them.’ Hamza A. Kolo, Chief Security officer, Geidam Local Govt, Yobe state
‘I am delighted to see that MCN is bringing together both formal and informal security organisations together at the grassroot level to talk and strategize.’ Adamu Madaki, Commissioner of Police, Adamawa state
Dialogue platform move children from streets to school
MCN provided support to the NEEM Foundation to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation initiatives in communities recovering from the insurgency in Maiduguri, Borno State. This is based on the recognition of the debilitating impact of the insurgency on community resilience and social cohesion. One of the communities selected for the intervention is Shokwari. The community is made up of largely of farmers who are generally uneducated. The lack of opportunity has put youths in the area at risk. Consequently, many youths from the community were reportedly recruited into the insurgent group. The demographics of the community has remained a concern to community leaders and security agencies.
At the commencement of the dialogue and reconciliation initiative, one of the key concerns raised was the high number of out-of-school children in the community. Some of the children are orphans of insurgents and victims of the insurgency. The dialogue platform undertook a number of activities to sensitise the community on the value of education and the need to enrol their children and wards in school. To address the socioeconomic driver of a high rate of illiteracy, the platform also engaged Save the Children International and the School Management Committee to help the children who enlisted into the school by providing them with uniforms and books.
Feedback from the community shows encouraging improvement in school enrolment. To date, 2,160 children have been enrolled into the community primary school.
‘The initiative has woken the people from slumber. They now recognise the power of working together to build peace. This is evident in massive enrolment of their children in school.’ Mallam Ali Habib, Secretary, School Based Management Committee, Shokwari Community, Jere LGA
The platform also engaged youths on their involvement in antisocial behaviour especially during festivals that often result in violent crime. The engagement with the youths led to the banning of the festival reducing the risks of violence.
PROMOTING POLICY FOR PEACE AND SECURITY
150 academics and civil society actors trained on conducting research in conflict settings
MCN, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Yobe State University in Damaturu, organised a capacity building programme on conducting research in conflict and peacebuilding settings for researchers in academic and civil society organisations on 19-20 July 2019. One-hundred and fifty participants, drawn from two universities, two colleges of education, two polytechnics, six monotechnics, the National Open University, the National Teachers Institute and 17 civil society organisations in the state, benefited from the training. The capacity building workshop exposed participants to qualitative and quantitative methods of research, ethical issues in conducting research, strategies for conducting applied research, and gender and conflict sensitivity in research.
The Vice Chancellor of the University said the initiative was necessary to equip academics and civil society practitioners who will need to be engaged to provide the knowledge and information that will drive peacebuilding and early recovery efforts in the state.
‘The workshop has enhanced the capacity of academics and civil society practitioners to apply for research grants, conduct action research and follow-up the implementation of the policy recommendations of research.’ Professor Yakubu Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor, Yobe State University, Damaturu.
Stakeholders welcome findings of study on livelihood opportunities in communities selected for early return of IDPs in Borno state
Stakeholders have welcomed the findings of a study on livelihood opportunities and security implications in communities selected for early return of IDPs. They expressed their views at a dissemination workshop organised by the Community Centre for Development and Research Network (CCDRN) on 18 June 2019 in Maiduguri. The study, which was supported by MCN, was aimed at providing information that will foster the successful implementation of the policy of resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) initiated by the Borno State government.
Key findings of the study include the predominance of primary occupation of agriculture (farmer and fishing) among returnees; non-availability of credit facility for purchase of fertilisers and inputs to returnees; decrease in available farmland to households due to rising population, especially of IDPs; and persistence of feelings of dissatisfaction with current occupation and means of livelihoods.
The study also found that some interventions of government and development programmes have not been sensitive to the context of the communities earmarked for resettlement and have contributed to heightening of tensions. The study concluded that the enabling environment for resettlement is still evolving and offered policy options to governmental and non-governmental actors involved in the resettlement programme.
‘The study encompasses all that UNDP is doing in the area of livelihoods with a focus on helping to restore people’s livelihoods for sustainability, especially in terms of livestock distribution and agricultural inputs as well as vocational skills training. The research presents the real-life situation and the opportunities that other development partners could look into to reach affected population.’ Lilian S. Dahwa, UNDP Area Coordinator, Borno state
‘I commend the research. Mine is an additional recommendation. MCN and other development partners should engage the returnees, especially women, and train them on various skills so they can become self-reliant. People are empowered when they can access the opportunities available to them without limitation and restriction. Women's empowerment is all about equipping and allowing women to make life determining decisions through the different problems in society. Empowerment of women is necessary for development of the society.’ Yagana Ali Abadam, Director, Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
