Mercy Corps, CDD, IOM Push for Conflict Resolution in Four Katsina LGAs

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The Mercy Corps, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) are currently making efforts to eradicate conflict and promote community reconciliation in Katsina State.

The non-governmental organisations are pushing to resolve conflicts in Batsari, Jibia, Danmusa and Kankara Local Government Areas of the state under their Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation in North West Nigeria (CMCR) project.

The Senior Programme Manager of Mercy Corps, Philip Ikiti, who stated this during the celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) in Katsina on Friday, said the project is funded by the European Union (UN).

With the theme: ‘Invest in women: Accelerate Progress,’ the IWD celebration was organised in the state by the Mercy Corps in collaboration with the state government and Save the Children.

Ikiti said the North-west region of the country has been experiencing conflict since 2014, increasing in magnitude affecting approximately over one million people. 

He said: “Currently viewed as acts of armed banditry, communal clashes and insurgency, since 2014, the number of kidnapping has Increased from 29 to 39 per cent in 2022.”

In response to the challenges, the three organisations have partnered to implement the comprehensive pilot programme to support the Nigerian government’s efforts in Katsina State.

“The project is an 18-month initiative aimed at reducing community violence, promoting locally driven peace initiatives, and mitigating conflicts over natural resources.”

In her remarks, the state’s First Lady, Hajia Zulaihat Dikko Radda, called on the government and non-governmental organisations to develop practical policies to tackle gender-based Violence (GBV) in the country.

She explained that the government, organisations and critical stakeholders should combat gender-based violence and invest in girl-child education for the betterment of the country.

Mrs Radda said: “My call to action for government organisations and individuals to take concrete steps towards gender equality and women empowerment, investing in girl child education, or combating gender-based violence, there is much work to be done.

“International Women’s Day reminds us of the urgency of this work. International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration, it is a day of reflection, advocacy and action. 

“By recognising the objectives and significance of this day, we reaffirmed our commitment to building a world where women and girls can feel free from discrimination oppression.”