PLATEAU PEACE COMMITMENT

Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanism Among Tribes in Jos North

by with No Comment Conflict Resolution and ReconciliationConsulting ServicesEducation for PeaceResearch and Documentation

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

by with No Comment Consulting ServicesEducation for PeaceResearch and Documentation

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

by with No Comment Consulting ServicesResearch and Documentation

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

by with No Comment Conflict Resolution and ReconciliationEducation for PeaceResearch and Documentation

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.

WORLD DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION

Promoting Reconciliation in 6 Nigerian-Cameroonian Border Communities

by with No Comment Conflict Resolution and ReconciliationResearch and Documentation

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.

DIALOGUE SESSIONS2

Actions for Cultural and Religious Pluralism in Niger and Nigeria

by with No Comment Conflict Resolution and ReconciliationEducation for PeaceResearch and Documentation

Project Status: Completed

Actions for Cultural and religious pluralism in Niger and Nigeria

Start Date

Feb 2018

End Date

May 2022

Focus Area

effective implementation of the Religious and Cultural Tolerance

Funded By

European Union (EU)

Project Location

Nigeria and Niger

The Peace project is being funded by the European Union (EU) for the effective implementation of the Religious and Cultural Tolerance Program in Nigeria and Niger. The name of the project is “Action for Cultural and Religious Pluralism”. It is being implemented jointly in Nigeria and Niger Republic with an overall objective/impact of making Communities in Niger and Nigeria live in a culturally inclusive environment. Niger and Nigeria are bordering countries situated in West Africa. Niger is one of the lowest-ranked in the UN HDI whereas Nigeria has a large economy and is listed among the “Next Eleven”, a list of economies that are set to become among the biggest in the world (Goldman Sachs, 2012). Niger is a francophone country and Nigeria an Anglo phone; even though Nigeria is inhabited by over 500 ethnic groups, speaking 500 different languages (World Atlas, 2017). Islam accounts for 94% of Niger’s religious adherents while Nigeria is nearly equally divided between Christianity and Islam. Two different countries but when looking at the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental root causes and effects of decreased tolerance for cultural and religious pluralism, Niger and Nigeria show a lot of similarities. In Nigeria, the project is geared towards promoting religious and culturally inclusivity, with specific focus on Jos, Plateau State and Kaduna, Kaduna State. It will engage the services and collaboration of Academic and Research Institutes, Religious and Community Leaders, Students and Youth groups, Civil Society Organizations, Government Actors, Artists and Media actors as well as representatives of Women groups.