Support female survivors of Boko Haram in Nigeria

Dear friends,

International Alert had a busy start to 2023 in Nigeria. Amidst the February elections, we worked to prevent conflict by training integral but often overlooked community members, helped to resolve conflict between groups through dialogue sessions, held a Youth Summit to connect young people and support their inclusion in public policy decisions, and collaborated with local government officials concerning our peacebuilding work.

In preparation for the February elections, International Alert ran a two-day youth training workshop to address pre-/post-electoral violence. 221 tricycle riders, taxi drivers and women’s association members attended, learning about conflict management and peacebuilding techniques, civic responsibilities, and supporting young people to assert leadership in peace and security issues.

Our Youth Peace Mentor programme provides young people with skills and confidence in identifying and addressing conflict issues. One of our mentors, Saleh, says:

“My engagement with International Alert has increased my knowledge and skill on development initiatives. I established MASHA ALLAH CHARITY FOUNDATION which enrolls orphans and vulnerable children into schools. We support orphans so they do not grow up to become a security threat to the community…by taking them to skill acquisition centres to train as mechanics or tailors. I also adopt some of them in my computer business so that they can be self-reliant.”

In February, our Youth Peace Mentors facilitated dialogue sessions between a conflicting community and a local college – to jointly identify issues causing conflict, which were access to water, theft and students wearing culturally insensitive clothing. Our Peace Mentors educated students on respecting local customs and both sides collaborated to address the tensions.

They also met with local figures, namely traditional leaders, the head of security services and government ministers to update on progress and plans. All parties expressed willingness to collaborate further. The head of the security services was particularly enthusiastic, saying that his door is always open for suggestions or complaints. This endorsement is essential to support the safety and security of people in Northeast Nigeria and gives our beneficiaries access to policymakers to ensure their voices are heard.

Finally, at the Youth Summit, International Alert brought together members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum to share ideas, strategise and network to improve efforts to engage with policymakers and advocate for youth inclusive public policy outcomes. The Summit helped to promote political and civic participation of young people as well as unconventional participation such as through associations.

Thanks to your support, vulnerable youths are turning into leaders. Together with community members and government officials alike we are working to reduce conflict and violence.

On behalf of the whole team at International Alert - thank you.

Yours in peace,

Ollie