The Nigerian Government is partnering with the European Union on a joint programme to support reconciliation and reintegration within communities affected by Non-State Armed Groups, NSAGs, in North-Eastern Nigeria.
A statement by the EU said that the joint initiative aims to foster social cohesion, reduce stigmatisation, promote tolerance, and create space for acceptance and belonging within targeted communities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said during the official launch of the Programme in Abuja that the initiative strives to support authorities in effectively investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of terrorism offences in the North-East, ensuring meaningful accountability and redress for serious crimes.
The programme which builds on the outcomes of previous efforts to promote peace and social inclusion in North-Eastern Nigeria, is expected to significantly reinforce community-based approaches by enhancing the capacity of existing community-led frameworks to go through essential healing processes, promote reconciliation and accompany gradual reintegration of former associates of Non-State Armed Groups.
The programme implementation plan recognises the critical importance of community outreach and sensitisation, effective administration of survivor-centred transitional justice, psychosocial support, and trauma healing.
The statement further explained that
community resilience and livelihood opportunities shall constitute an integral part of the programme and shall take the form of vocational training, micro-grants, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
Capacity building for local authorities in collaboration with civil society organisations with emphasis on the amelioration of access to basic services, including joint monitoring and evaluation with the local communities.
The programme is part of the broader EU support to the promotion of stabilisation, peace, and security in the Lake Chad region that started in 2014 and has mobilised a grand total of €2.5 billion. Its implementation will leverage the expertise and experience of the four UN agencies involved, which have been working in the northeast of Nigeria for several years.
The initiative was officially launched in Abuja by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the EU Ambassador, Samuela Isopi, UN Nigeria Resident Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall and representatives from International Organisation for Migration, IOM which is the lead agency.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
