Francis Sardauna writes that through peace committees, youth empowerment, early-warning systems, livelihoods and psychosocial support, IOM’s EU-funded intervention is restoring peace in banditry-torn communities in Katsina and Zamfara States
For communities in Nigeria’s North-west, the struggle for peace is no longer confined to security operations or the presence of armed personnel. It is increasingly being fought in village meetings, community peace committees, peace-promoting radio jingles and among young people searching for livelihoods in the region.
This is the approach being adopted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under its Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience (CPCRR) project implemented in banditry-plagued Batsari, Dandume, Danmusa, Faskari, Jibia, Sabuwa and Safana Local Government Areas of Katsina State, as well as Bungudu and Gusau Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
Funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by IOM, Mercy Corps and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the CPCRR is restoring peace, preventing violence and monitoring early warning signs to rebuilding livelihoods, supporting victims and strengthening relationships between communities in the states.
