At a consultative Forum of the Project on Promoting Reconciliation, Reintegration and Transitional Justice in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe State Stakeholders’ brain stormed on the most effective strategy for implementing the project with the aim of achieving the set objectives.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission who was represented at the launch by the Borno State Coordinator Rights Commission, Barr. Jumai Mshelia. Mshelia advised the facilitators to stepdown the essence of the project to relevant stakeholders in their respective communities to get their support and cooperation.
Some of the activities that took place under the project in Borno includes advocacy across the communities; including visits to district heads, religious leaders, Youth leaders and relevant elders within the Communities. The aim of the advocacy visit was to carry stakeholders in the communities along for the smooth implementation of the project.
While some people applauded the initiative of the project and pledged their support for the successful implementation in their respective locations. Some others expressed disapproval as they opposed the idea which they see as an imposition on them.
In Gwoza one of the worst hit places by insurgents, the facilitators were able to convince some members of the community to support the project. They emphasized the importance of the project in peacebuilding and development of their communities. In this location, the leaders alleged that uncountable youths of the community were forced to join the insurgency and those who refused to join the group were killed by the insurgents and many of them who managed to escape were allegedly killed by the military as they usually mistake them for the insurgents.
In Banki Community, the district head pledged his loyalty and readiness to accept the repentant insurgents but advised on the issue of providing separate accommodation for them because of the shortage of accommodation in the community.
In Bama, the Community assured the Commission of their Commitment. They highlighted the challenges suffered by victims of insurgency which is the need for livelihood support and vocational training skills to alleviate their sufferings.
The community members also expressed their uncertainty on the fate and moral wellbeing of their children and wards as they wouldn’t want them to mingle with the Children of the ex-Boko Haram in schools and other social gatherings; similar concern was raised in Gwoza.
On whether they will accept the repentant Boko Haram members. The community members in Konduga assured the facilitator of their support and willingness to accept their repentant wards. The Eid imam of the Konduga Community stated the importance of peace in their Community and application of religious knowledge in peacebuilding.
