Individuals in the Bole community are a lot more informed than in the past. Disputes are resolved either peacefully amongst families or brought to the dialogue table amongst traditional leaders and other mediators. This dialogue facilitation, had it come earlier, then most conflicts would not have happened.
Zira Tumba, a clan head, Bole Community
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Life cycle
2017-21
Country/Region
Nigeria
Client/Partner
European Union
Vision
To enhance the capability of state and community conflict management institutions to prevent the escalation of conflict into violence in North-Eastern Nigerian states.
Situation
Drawing from the experiences of implementing the award-winning Justice For All (J4A) Programme and the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation (NSRP), we partner with local civil society organisations, state and local governments to enhance capacity for conflict management and reduce the impact of violence. This is especially required in the most vulnerable populations in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe - states that are worst affected by the insurgency in North East Nigeria. Our Nigerian-led approach and unparalleled local expertise means that we develop solutions based on the needs of local communities.
Implementation
The Managing Conflict in Nigeria (MCN) programme supports training across the country’s formal and informal structures for traditional rulers, community leaders, security officials and media practitioners on aspects like dispute resolution, protection of human rights, tackling of sexual and gender-based violence and conflict sensitive communications. Through provision of grants, the MCN programme is helping youth and women associations to provide the needed skills and start-up capital for reintegration of displaced women and youths. We use our local expertise to convene dialogue platforms that enable community members to resolve issues, such as access to land for grazing and farming. The MCN programme is also promoting policy and practices that contribute to peacebuilding.
Impact
By the end of 2018, we had already exceeded the EU’s 2021 target of 2860 people participating in conflict prevention and peace building activities in Nigeria. Specifically by July 2019, 2111 trained traditional rulers recorded an 86 per cent success rate in dispute resolution. 619 youths and 31 women’s associations were engaged in economic empowerment initiatives; and policy dialogue convened by the programme had contributed to the establishment of a governmental agency to coordinate efforts to prevent violence. As part of this, Community Peace and Safety Partnership (CPSP) meetings have brought together different community stakeholders across the three states in North East Nigeria.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) have been opened in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states and staff (doctors, nurses and counsellors) have been trained to provide services at the SARCs. As a result of the SARCs, 158 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) have been addressed, leading to some successful prosecution and conviction. For the first time ever, the three North East states were represented at a National SARC network meeting held in Abuja.
Mutual benefit
We have a strong legacy of justice and security work in Nigeria which is helping the country meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. In providing this long-term support we are providing opportunities to showcase UK expertise in this sector and creating a positive influence in the region. One of our strengths is to draw on the global expertise of our own network, bringing in international and UK perspectives to local issues and challenges. We work using evidence available in the local communities and build mutually supportive relationships between Nigerian and international partners to achieve development goals.