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.