Support female survivors of Boko Haram in Nigeria

Dear friends,

Wishing you a Happy New Year.

International Alert Nigeria has been busy since our last update for unfortunate reasons. Violent clashes broke out in four communities where we work across Bauchi State. These events, caused by tensions between indigenous communities and new settlers, land disputes between farmers/herders, and youth violence, are unrelated but nevertheless deeply concerning.

Our Community Security Working Groups quickly mobilised to identify the causes and appropriate responses to the conflicts and worked within communities to mediate and resolve violence between and among conflicting parties. We also worked with community groups and media outlets to raise awareness of the Working Groups' actions with women and young people to encourage them to work with us to find amicable solutions to the tensions.

Youth-led initiatives helped to bring conflicting farmers and herders, and other conflicting community members, together to share their concerns and interests in order to address local drivers of conflict and fragility. By the end of negotiations, all parties agreed to embrace peace and take action to prevent future clashes with one another.

Community committees were also established to promote peace and harmony and conduct regular joint patrols of the affected neighbourhoods to ensure their security. Committee members met with police and security officers as well as electoral commission members and political figures to agree a joint action plan against electoral associated violence in Bauchi State. They also worked with religious and community leaders to preach and promote mutual respect.

Fortunately, violence has begun to subside as a result of these actions and more and more people, particularly vulnerable women and youth, are referring their issues to the groups established by International Alert to mediate and resolve the conflicts and tensions they face.

As Nigeria once again enters its tumultuous election period (Presidential election to be held on 25 February), we are in no doubt that this fragile peace will be tested. However, we are confident that with these support mechanisms in place, the communities we work with will be able to react and respond to any escalations in violence that may occur.

Thank you once again for your continued generosity and support.

All of us at International Alert wish you a peaceful and prosperous 2023.

Yours in peace,

Ollie