Alternative dispute resolution in action – Borno state
Following a visit by facilitators from Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN), the Emir of Biu set up a Dakin Sulhu (Mediation Centre) on 15 January 2018.
'So far we have mediated and resolved seven cases related to land, community leadership and family issue.
A very important one is a case of mediation that settled the difference between two community leaders, Mal Kawo and Mal Magaji. Both of them had been contesting for leadership in their community and had been in dispute for the past 9 years, not even talking to each other.
But with the intervention of the Dakin Sulhu, the dispute was laid to rest, and now they live amicably with each other.'
Zannan Sulhu of Biu Emirate, head of Biu Emirate Mediation Centre (Dakin Sulhu)
Traditional ruler training – wives and scribes, including record-keeping systems
Across the three North East States, the European Union funded traditional rulers training continued. The programme has now successfully trained 958 traditional rulers from 6 Emirates Councils.
In addition, the programme has also trained:
- scribes – to record all cases and the decisions made
- mentors – to provide support to the traditional rulers
- wives – to be able to assist in the dispute resolution process
- leaders of women’s groups – to help resolve disputes.
The training, which is nearing the end of phase one, has had a big impact across the six Emirate Councils and the programme looks forward to expanding this to nine more Emirate Councils in the coming year.
'I am attending this type of training for the first time. This workshop has exposed me to the affairs handled by my husband; it is good for me having such an insight as I know I can also contribute in resolving disputes and ensuring peace in my community.'
Hajiya Zainab Dauda, Wife of Village Head, Mbonu, Namtari District, Adamawa State
Policy dialogue forum meetings – Yobe and Borno states
The first Public Dialogue Forum took place in Maiduguri on 29 January 2018.
The forum targeted issues of youth empowerment and reintegration and attracted 74 participants which included members of the State House of Assembly, officials, civil society organizations, security agencies and representatives from International Development Organizations.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Jidda Shuwa, represented by Permanent Secretary Mohammed Ahmed Gazali, delivered the keynote address.
'The state government specially identifies with the focus of the first policy dialogue on options for empowerment and reintegration. The Kashim Shettima administration has recognised that lack of economic opportunities provided a breeding ground for violent extremism.'
Permanent Secretary Mohammed Ahmed Gazali
Continued Community Peace and Safety Platform (CPSP) meetings
These have continued across the North East states with feedback received around positive interventions made:
Biu, Borno
The CPSP worked with security agencies to postpone a religious gathering that was considered to be a security risk.
Yola South, Adamawa
Visited 10 village areas to meet with community leaders and village members to identify causes of unrest (farmer/herdsmen issues, drug abuse and unemployment) and then prompt the community to discuss possible solutions to the issues raised.
Girei, Adamawa
The platform discussed risks related to use of fake military uniform and initiated action to address the reported challenge of education for children living on IDP camps whose parents cannot afford to pay school fees.
