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Promoting Trust and Confidence in Communities in Plateau State – Funded by Missio Austria

Project Status: Completed

Promoting trust and Confidence in Communities in Plateau State

Start Date

Mar 2014

End Date

Feb 2015

Focus Area

we facilitated community-led dialogue initiatives that brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to discuss issues

Funded By

Missio Austria

Project Location

Jos North, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom

The project focused on supporting communities in four key local government areas – Jos North, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom – to rebuild trust and promote grassroots dialogue. We recognized that trust was the foundation of peaceful coexistence, and that grassroots dialogue was essential for resolving conflicts and promoting social cohesion.
Through our initiative, we facilitated community-led dialogue initiatives that brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to discuss issues, resolve conflicts, and build trust. We supported the establishment of community-based peace structures that promoted grassroots dialogue and conflict resolution. By empowering local leaders and community members with the necessary skills and knowledge, we enabled them to facilitate dialogue, resolve conflicts, and promote peace.
Ultimately, our goal was to foster a culture of tolerance, respect, and understanding among community members, promoting a sense of shared humanity and common purpose. By working together with these communities, we helped build a stronger foundation for peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.

PLATEAU PEACE COMMITMENT

Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism Among Tribes in Jos North

Project Status: Completed

Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism Among Tribes in Jos North

Start Date

May 2014

End Date

Apr 2015

Focus Area

To develop and promote an innovative conflict resolution framework

Funded By

CAFOD

Project Location

Jos North

The overarching goal of this project was to develop and promote an innovative conflict resolution framework, one that leveraged the rich cultural heritage of Plateau State’s diverse ethnic groups. By exploring indigenous and traditional methods of conflict resolution, we aimed to complement existing efforts and strategies addressing the protracted crises in the region. This approach recognized the value of traditional knowledge and practices in fostering peaceful resolution and promoting social cohesion.
To achieve this goal, we identified four specific objectives. Firstly, we sought to identify traditional practices and customs in Jos North that promoted peaceful conflict resolution. This involved documenting and analyzing the cultural norms, values, and institutions that had historically contributed to peaceful coexistence among communities. Secondly, we aimed to identify common grounds and areas of convergence among these traditional practices, highlighting their potential to promote reconciliation, restoration, and integration.
Our third objective was to document findings from this project and make them available to development workers, peacebuilding practitioners, and professionals. This ensured that the knowledge and insights generated by this project were disseminated widely, informing evidence-based interventions and policy decisions. Finally, we aimed to raise awareness of these alternative conflict resolution methods, highlighting their potential to complement existing approaches and enhance peacebuilding efforts in Plateau State.

DIALOGUE SESSIONS2

Emergency and Early Recovery Assistance to IDPs Displaced by Boko Haram Insurgency in Adamawa State

Project Status: Completed

Emergency and Early Recovery Assistance to IDPs Displaced by Boko Haram Insurgency in Adamawa State

Start Date

Feb 2016

End Date

Apr 2016

Focus Area

Providing comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for identified community peace vanguards.

Funded By

Caritas Nigeria

Project Location

Adamawa State

The Centre supported Caritas Nigeria in implementing the peace-building component of its EA 2015 project. This critical initiative focused on providing comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for identified community peace vanguards. By empowering these local leaders, we worked to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding in conflict-affected communities.
Our efforts specifically concentrated on Objective 3, which sought to enable members of three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and three host communities to coexist peacefully. This objective was crucial in promoting social cohesion and reconciliation among communities that had been affected by conflict and displacement. By working together, we helped build trust, resolve conflicts, and promote peaceful coexistence.
The project was implemented in Yola, Adamawa State, an area that had been significantly impacted by conflict and displacement. By targeting this region, we aimed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by violence. Through our combined efforts, we promoted lasting peace, stability, and development in this critical region.

DREP Centre 03

Strategies for Community Reintegration in Northeast Nigeria

Project Status: Completed

Strategies for Community Reintegration in Northeast Nigeria

Start Date

Apr 2016

End Date

Sep 2016

Focus Area

Sought to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors necessary for Boko Haram (BH) returnees and defectors

Funded By

USAID

Project Location

Northeast Nigeria

This project sought to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors necessary for Boko Haram (BH) returnees and defectors to be reintegrated into their communities successfully. A critical aspect of this initiative was to identify the challenges and concerns that hindered the reintegration process, with the ultimate goal of informing policy decisions and supporting local initiatives.
Through this project, we identified the needs, challenges, and concerns of BH returnees and defectors at the national level, thereby influencing policy and promoting community-level initiatives. By highlighting the complexities of reintegration, we sought to raise awareness about the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for returnees. This, in turn, would reduce the likelihood of them rejoining or remaining members of Boko Haram.
Ultimately, our efforts focused on increasing the chances of successful reintegration, enabling returnees to reintegrate into their communities without harm. By addressing the root causes of reintegration challenges, we contributed to the development of more effective community-level mechanisms, promoting lasting peace, stability, and social cohesion in affected regions.

TRAUMA HEALING

Community Dialogue and Reintegration in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State

Project Status: Completed

Community Dialogue and Reintegration in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State

Start Date

Dec 2016

End Date

Jun 2017

Focus Area

Aimed to facilitate the reintegration of individuals and groups affected by the insurgency

Funded By

NERI/USAID

Project Location

Madagali LGA of Adamawa State

This initiative aimed to facilitate the reintegration of individuals and groups affected by the insurgency in Madagali, while addressing deep-seated issues of mutual suspicion along religious lines. Through this project, we sought to heal the social injuries caused by insurgency, promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.
The primary objective of this project was to reconcile and reintegrate different social groups within the Madagali community, ensuring that healing and restoration took place. By bringing together individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, we facilitated a process of reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing. This, in turn, helped restore peaceful coexistence among the Madagali people, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Furthermore, our project aimed to revitalize the rich cultural heritage of the Madagali people through the Kilisa festival. This cultural event provided a platform for dialogue, reconciliation, and celebration, promoting peace and unity among the community. By facilitating this cultural revival, we helped strengthen social bonds, promote cross-cultural understanding, and foster a deeper appreciation for the community’s shared history and traditions.

PLATEAU PEACE COMMITMENT2

Reintegration Dialogue between Nigerian and Cameroonian Border Communities

Project Status: Completed

Reintegration Dialogue between Nigerian and Cameroonian Border Communities

Start Date

Jul 2017

End Date

Jul 2017

Focus Area

To foster greater understanding and cooperation

Funded By

NERI/USAID

Project Location

Nigerian Cameroonian Border

The activities of Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria fueled significant hostility between communities, particularly in Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno states, which shared borders with Makolo, Bourha, and Mogode in Cameroon. The porous and poorly regulated border enabled insurgent groups to launch numerous attacks and counterattacks, exacerbating tensions.
Despite notable military progress in combating insurgency, emerging reports suggested a shift in the behavior of these groups, potentially linked to the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA). To address this evolving dynamic, further research was conducted.
To foster greater understanding and cooperation, continued dialogue involving community representatives from Nigerian and Cameroonian border communities was crucial. The Center supported by NERI, facilitated four dialogue sessions in Mubi LGA, Adamawa State. These sessions brought together stakeholders from Nigerian communities (Kwaja, Wula, Vizik, and Kamale) and Cameroonian communities (Domo, Wula Hanko, Wuro Sarki, and Magodi).
Through these dialogues, participants gained a deeper understanding of the shifting patterns of insurgency, enabling them to develop effective coping and resilience strategies. By fostering interaction and collaboration, these sessions promoted greater peace and stability in the region.

CAPACITY BUILDING

Promoting Dialogue and Reconciliation for Community Reintegration in the Northeast

Project Status: Completed

Promoting Dialogue and Reconciliation for Community Reintegration in the Northeast

Start Date

Sep 2017

End Date

Jan 2018

Focus Area

Aimed to reintegrate repentant Boko Haram fighters who underwent a 16-week de-radicalization program

Funded By

USAID/OTI through Creative/NERI

Project Location

10 LGAs including Bama, Damboa, and Gwoza.

This project aimed to reintegrate repentant Boko Haram fighters who underwent a 16-week de-radicalization program. The focus was on understanding community responses, reactions, attitudes, and behaviors towards these defectors, as well as their expectations from the government and other stakeholders.

To achieve this, dialogues were conducted across 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Bama, Damboa, and Gwoza. Participants included traditional leaders, religious leaders, local security groups, women’s groups, and youth groups. Separate meetings were held with local emirs and government officials to gather their insights and perspectives on the reintegration program.

These discussions provided valuable information on the reintegration process, helping to identify key challenges and opportunities for successful reintegration. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, the project fostered greater understanding and cooperation, ultimately supporting the peaceful reintegration of former Boko Haram fighters.

PLATEAU PEACE COMMITMENT2

Promoting Community Participation for Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation

Project Status: Completed

Promoting Community Participation for Conflict Mitigation and Reconciliation

Start Date

Nov 2014

End Date

Oct 2017

Focus Area

Aimed to foster sustainable peaceful coexistence among people from selected communities

Funded By

Misereor

Project Location

Jos North, Riyom, Bokkos and Wase LGAs of Plateau State

The project aimed to foster sustainable peaceful coexistence among people from selected communities in Plateau State. Its objective was to establish regular dialogue and consultation across conflict divides between political, religious, and ethnic groups. This focuses on issues of violence prevention, peace, and reconciliation in the selected communities.
By the project’s conclusion, 69 individuals, including women and youth, from three selected communities in Riyom, Bokkos, and Wase LGAs had acquired alternative conflict resolution skills. These skills were applied in their communities, promoting peaceful conflict resolution. Furthermore, selected communities in Jos North, Riyom, Bokkos, and Wase LGAs had achieved active non-violent participation in local and national elections, fostering a culture of peaceful democratic engagement.

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Traditional and Religious Leader Forum On Transitional Justice for Reintegration

Project Status: Completed

Traditional and Religious Leader Forum On Transitional Justice for Reintegration

Start Date

Dec 2017

End Date

Mar 2018

Focus Area

A primary objective was to meticulously assess the efficacy of existing traditional justice mechanisms,

Funded By

USAID/OTI via Creative Associates

Project Location

JOS

This project undertook an in-depth examination of the pivotal role traditional and religious institutions play in facilitating transitional justice in the North East region, which has been ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency. A primary objective was to meticulously assess the efficacy of existing traditional justice mechanisms, which have been employed to address the complex aftermath of the insurgency.
Through this project, we sought to gain a nuanced understanding of community perspectives on transitional justice, recognizing that local voices and experiences are essential in shaping meaningful and sustainable justice processes. By engaging with community members, the project aimed to identify acceptable transitional justice measures that would provide assurances and guarantees of the genuine repentance of offenders and Boko Haram defectors.
Ultimately, this project contributed to the development of context-specific transitional justice strategies, leveraging the strengths of traditional and religious institutions to promote healing, accountability, and reconciliation in the North East region.

WORLD DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION

Promoting Reconciliation in 6 Nigerian-Cameroonian Border Communities

Project Status: Completed

Promoting Reconciliation in 6 Nigerian-Cameroonian Border Communities

Start Date

Apr 2018

End Date

Jul 2018

Focus Area

Fostering communal understanding and improving livelihoods among border communities

Funded By

USAID/OTI via Creative Associates

Project Location

Nigerian-Cameroonian Border

Tensions and suspicion among border communities in Nigeria and Cameroon escalated due to the recruitment and expansion efforts of Boko Haram (BH) and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA). The surge was largely attributed to the scarcity of livelihood opportunities, which had been severely impacted by years of insurgency.
Research findings from dialogues conducted by DREP among Nigerian and Cameroonian communities revealed that insurgent groups had exploited existing vulnerabilities among border communities. These vulnerabilities included longstanding divisions along ethnic and religious lines, which had been exacerbated by competition for scarce resources. The destruction of livelihoods by insurgents further strained inter-communal dynamics, leading to stigmatization, tensions, and clashes among groups.
This project aimed to address these challenges by fostering communal understanding and improving livelihoods among border communities in Nigeria and Cameroon. By promoting greater cooperation and understanding, the initiative sought to mitigate the tensions and suspicions that had been fueled by the insurgency, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and stable region.