POLICY Brief

Inclusion: intersectional approach to peace programming; a viable tool for building a peaceful and progressive society in Yobe State

Building bridges of unity, equity/equality and closing the gaps of marginalization in our society.

SUMMARY

While everyone’s life in northeast Nigeria has been affected by the conflict, people’s experiences have varied widely as per the intersecting aspects of their identity. The deeply patriarchal society which is hinged upon access to power, services and resources is almost exclusively in the hands of a particular group mostly known as the majority. These historic and deeply-ingrained gendered power dynamics mean many population groups – including youth, women, people with disabilities, and ethnic/religious minorities – have been excluded from meaningful participation in the subsequent peace-building, community security processes, social amenities and services. Exclusion has been particularly pronounced by those facing multiple forms of discrimination. This marginalization limits the effectiveness and durability of response mechanisms by failing to respond to the diversity of needs and has contributed to decreasing the resilience of excluded groups; diminished of sense of belonging and self-worth; lack of patriotism; increased appetite for vices; easy recruitment by insurgents.

RECOMMENDATIONS/MESSAGES

Through using the power of critical questions to encourage the target audience to respond proactively and unpack existing stereotypes and biases and barriers to addressing matters of inclusiveness. These recommendations and learnings directly contributed towards the successes achieved for this intervention.

1. Persons with special needs, also known as persons living with disabilities should be directly targeted in project implementation either as beneficiaries of humanitarian intervention or granting of projects where there are organized structures/platforms/association. Where possible, at least 5% of humanitarian, development and peace building interventions should be reserved for people with special needs (physical, sensory, intellectual or psychosocial impairment).
2. Acquisition of Indigene certificate: Minority groups in the state need to be carried along and be given a sense of belonging. With the inclusive path in leadership the Executive Governor of Yobe state has created, a deliberate action is needed at the local government level to ensure that citizens of Nigeria and locals who qualify for indigene certificate be provided with such as this would foster social bonding and increase communal cohesion and repair frayed social fabrics.
3. Girl child education: With the declaration of the state of emergency in Yobe education sector and the establishment of the education trust fund in the state, a special niche in the education sector that needs swift action is the girl child education. With all efforts put into the girl child education in the past, there should be a strong policy at the state and local government levels to ensure robust sensitization, enforce enrolment and a swift creation of day secondary schools for girls in strategic locations. In the recent past, boko-haram have used women as suicide bomb machinery, especially through indoctrination as a result of lack of education. If women are well educated, they stand a better chance of getting involved in politics and leadership.
4. Involvement of women in leadership and politics: So much has been said and done on the conscious involvement of women in politics, leadership and decision making. The first impediment to the involvement of women in politics and leadership roles is lack of girl child education, which continues to deplete the number and chances/opportunities of women in the state. There are substantial women capable of leading the state to greater heights. There is an urgent need for a decisive move to reserve certain seats and positions for women in the political space and corridors of leadership to provide our policies and decision making some level of balance. Including women in politics and leadership could be a game changing stride and foster inclusivity in other areas of our society.
5. Consistent and sufficient logistical support to vigilante/hunters group: The fluid nature of the insurgency, difficult terrain and limited number of federal security personnel has necessitated the involvement of local self-help groups to secure certain locations in the state. This will help them to be more coordinated and efficient in supporting communities to be more peaceful and to thrive economically; organizations working in locations that have no military presence and making access roads more secure for commuters.
6. Health care for people affected with an ailment suspected to be buruli ulcer in Buni-Yadi: These individuals have been suffering for months or years and usually believe it is called Harbin-Jeji in Hausa language), and only attempt traditional cure because there is a wide belief that it cannot be cured medically and it can be spiritually contracted. So many people think it is cancer. Since the identification of the suspected buruli ulcer case some weeks ago, about 6 patients have died, even though we don’t have a medical proof of the cause of death. A prompt action is needed to ensure that ailment is tackled through epidemiological investigation, sensitization and health care provision.
7. Youth inclusion in decision making and humanitarian aid: Youths have been tagged the victims and perpetrators of the violent conflict that threatened to engulf the northeast. At the same time, they have been the game changers when all hope was lost. More attention needs to be given to young people by allowing them to have a voice in societal matters, especially the ones that affects them and to also benefit from humanitarian and development projects. The thriving of the insurgents (whether Boko-haram or ISWAP) has been hinged upon its ability to recruit young combatants, retain and keep them motivated. With a new leadership in ISWAP who seeks to bolster it, we can create social road blocks to such initiatives through inclusion among youths of all tribes/ethnicity, religion, group, those with special needs and at risk youth.

INTRODUCTION

Yobe state is located in northeastern Nigeria and shares borders with the Republic of Niger to the north and the Nigerian states of Borno to the east, Gombe to the southwest, Bauchi to the west, and Jigawa to the northwest. Yobe state was created in the 27^th of August 1991 from the western half of Borno state. Yobe’s terrain consists of plains that are drained by the seasonal Komadugu Yobe River and its tributaries in the north and by the Gongola River in the south. The state’s vegetation is predominantly of the Sudan savanna type, with scattered acacia trees. There is also an area of Sahel savanna, consisting of sandy soils and thorn scrub, which is located in the far north and some of its central parts. The Kanuri are the predominant ethnic group in the state. Sorghum, millet, peanuts (groundnuts), cowpeas, corn (maize), sesame, and cotton are the primary crops. Cattle herding and farming and civil service are the chief occupations. Damaturu is the state capital, while Geidam, Potiskum, and Gashua are sizable market towns. The state is served by trunk roads connecting Potiskum, Damaturu, and Maiduguri (in Borno state) on its central part and has a Population of about 2,321,591 according to the 2006 population census.

Yobe state has 17 LGAs, which are divided into three senatorial districts/Zones: Zone A (Damaturu, Gulani, Gujba, Geidam, Tarmuwa, Bursari, Yunusari and Yusufari), Zone B (Potiskum, Fika, Nangere and Fune), Zone C (Nguru, Bade, Karasuwa, Jakusko, and Machina). Most visible tribes include Kanuri, Karai-Karai, Ngizim, Ngamo, Hausa, Fulani, Bolewa, Bura, and Manga.

Over the past six years, Hope Interactive (HI) in partnership with relevant stakeholders and community members in five Local Government Areas (i.e. Damaturu, Potiskum, Geidam, Gujba, Fune, Jakusko and Bade) have mobilized and supported a network of women-led association/organizations (Women peace hub and women for peace community associations) and youth networks (youth peace platforms) coalitions across the State comprised of over 2,000 people, and within these networks are a significant number of people facing multiple forms of discrimination. In line with the target beneficiaries, over 1,500 people are represented on these networks with their aspirations and hopes for the future highly exonerated from being excluded

or marginalized in their respective capacities in contributing to peace and security, irrespective of their background.

HI believes that sustainable peace is only possible when local people of diverse groups and identities are in the forefront of driving initiatives. For this reason, the project findings purposefully does not present a rigid definition of the intersecting identity groups it targets or seeks to address. Instead, our approach utilizes participatory processes to enable the beneficiaries themselves to define the different identity groups facing multiple forms of exclusion within their community and self-identify the priority areas of focus and engagement that the project will pursue. In so doing, the project made it as a matter of priority to place affected people’s needs, interests and grievances at the heart of its activity implementation to ascertain a high level of community ownership is realized. On a final note, this project activities activity has provided an enabling environment for the transformation of community-wide attitudes towards different excluded groups.

Exclusion can find expression at about four to five major strata of society: Political exclusion, social exclusion, economic exclusion, cultural and religious exclusion. These dimensions of exclusion are interconnected and complex in nature and have shaped and reshaped our society subtly and negatively. These five strata of human existence are meant to be a source of strength through the instrumentality of diversity.

DISCUSSION

This project has identified about 150 marginalized people facing multiple intersecting forms of discrimination in 9 conflict-affected communities to be better able to meaningfully participate in and lead peace building and community security processes. By providing a forum that is open and accessible to anyone but subtly integrating designated spaces for the participation of excluded identity groups, the activities implemented was able to address the concerns of community members around the imposition of inclusion and resentment at their own perceived exclusion. Through a process of participatory gender-sensitive conflict analysis, training, mentoring and trauma healing, the project empowered marginalized people with overlapping identities of discrimination with the confidence and skills to effectively articulate their needs and concerns and engage in peace processes at community levels. Specifically the activities that this project findings dwellings on are as follows:

1. Participatory gender-sensitive conflict analysis
2. In-group and community wide storytelling and listening spaces.
3. Establishing linkages between affected people and organizations who engage on the specific needs of different excluded identity groups.
4. Advocacy and dialogues spaces between people facing multiple forms of discrimination of local customary and government power holders
5. Mentoring and accompaniment.

Categories of people/issues identified

People with special needs – The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 7 and 10 per cent of the world’s population – including children and older people – live with disabilities. The level of impairment can be heightened by conflict and disasters (natural or man-made) which could further lead to disability (WHO 2022). The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) defines disability as an evolving concept that results from the interaction between persons with impairments (which may be physical, sensory, intellectual or psychosocial) and the hindrance of their full participation with equality/equity in society owing attitudinal or environmental factors. Persons with disabilities face disproportionate risks in disaster situations and are often excluded from relief and rehabilitation processes. Such exclusion makes it more difficult to effectively use and participate in standard disaster support services. Importantly, persons with disabilities are a diverse population including children and older people, whose needs cannot be addressed in a ‘one size fits all’ approach. It is also important to remember that persons with disabilities have the same basic needs as everyone else in their communities. (Sphere project 2015).

Women and Girls – The equal rights of women and men are explicit in human rights documents that form the basis of Humanitarian response. Women and men according to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria have the same entitlement to humanitarian assistance and protection, public office, to respect for their human dignity, job opportunities, to acknowledgement of their equal human capacities including the capacity to make choices, to the same opportunities to act on those choices and to the same level of power to shape the outcome of their actions. Humanitarian responses are more effective when they are based on an understanding of the different needs, vulnerabilities, interests, capacities and coping strategies of women and men, girls and boys of all ages and the differing impacts of disaster or conflict upon them. The understanding of these differences, as well as inequalities in women’s and men’s roles and workloads, access to and control over resources, decision-making power and opportunities for skills development, is achieved through gender analysis. Gender cuts across other cross-cutting themes.

The humanitarian aims of proportionality and impartiality mean that attention must be paid to achieving fairness between women and men and ensuring equality of outcome. Historically, attention to gender relations has been driven by the need to address women’s and girls’ needs and circumstances, as women and girls are typically more disadvantaged than men and boys (Sphere handbook 2018). As a result, we will need to pay close attention to issues of exclusion in the light of women and girls participation in the light of protection, leadership, decision making, and opportunities to go to school and attain the peak of their carrier in life. The belief that empowering women or girls whether socially, educationally or economically is a tremendous waste of resources in Yobe state predates the emergence of boko-haram and ISIS-WA. As a result, Women and girls have struggled to keep their heads above waters economically and socially; been stereotyped and are distally placed from the mainstream societal processes ranging from peace building, health, education, politics and economic ventures according to scoping visits and KIIs held with women by Hope Interactive in Yobe state on “Peace by the people project”. Nigeria is believed to account for 45% of all out of school children in West Africa. Girls account for about 60% of Nigeria’s out-of-school children entangled by child marriage, poverty, discriminatory social norms and cultures (Malala fund 2020). We must consciously work towards moving these figures towards positivity or risk having an unbalanced society. The higher these negative figures become, the more prone our society is to conflicts and insurgents infiltration, which counts as a win for boko-haram and ISWAP as they struggle to extinguish the candle of education.

 Healthcare for suspected Buruli ulcer patients – Every citizen has the right to health, as enshrined in a number of international legal instruments and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria. The primary goals of humanitarian response to humanitarian crises are to prevent and reduce excess mortality and morbidity. The public health impacts during or after a conflict may be described as direct (e.g. death from violence and injury) or indirect (e.g. increased rates of infectious diseases and/or malnutrition). These indirect health impacts are usually related to factors such as inadequate quantity and quality of water, breakdowns in sanitation, disruption of or reduced access to health services and deterioration of food security. The contribution from the health sector is to provide essential health services, including preventive and protective interventions that are effective in reducing health risks. Essential health services are priority health interventions that are effective in addressing the major causes of excess mortality and morbidity. The implementation of essential health services must be supported by actions to strengthen the health system (Sphere handbook 2018). The nexus between healthcare and peace has been palpable during the COVID-19 lockdown and the ebola outbreak. The lockdown led to an economic breakdown, the economic breakdown opened up the secondary effects as seen in the outbreak of shoplifting, burglary, broad day lootings, rape, domestic violence etc. In places like Liberia and Sierra Leon, there were violent clashes, distrust, resistance, stigmatization, blame game and so on during the ebola outbreak.

Youth inclusion – The UNSCR 2250 was adopted unanimously by the united nations security council on the 9^th of December 2015, which is believed to be a ground breaking resolution on youth, peace and security which clearly recognizes the fact that young people play a positive, viable and important role peace promotion and maintenance both locally and internationally, which is hinged upon 5 key pillars: Participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, disengagement/reintegration. Youth exclusion in politics, leadership, education, development, humanitarian services have grave consequences for any society that chooses this path.

The evolution of Boko-haram is a clear example of how youth exclusion can be seized by brutal opportunists, which coincided with the existence of group of tugs known as ecomog and Kalare in the northeast of Nigeria. For thirteen years, the insurgency lingers, in fact, it is believed that this group have cells and bases in the northwest of Nigeria. Carrying youth along in all humanitarian-development-peace initiatives must be a cardinal point and decision in our society. There are 7 pillars of inclusion every young person is expected to observe: Access, attitude, choice, partnerships, communication, policy and opportunities (PBR 2022). If we must deplete youth recruitment into terrorist groups and place them on the forefront of peace and security, we must submerge their thought and act in the 7 pillars of inclusion.

 Indigeneship

So much has been said and documented about the negative effects of indigeneship in Nigeria with activists across the nation calling for its abolishment since it is believe to excoriate vigor and strength from passionate citizens and diminishes unity; politicizes and makes complex ethnic and religious identities, legalizes marginalization of minority groups, promotes discrimination of ethnic and religious non-indigenes and sometimes results into ethnic and religious conflicts/rifts/distrust/grievances etc. It’s very likely that ignorance, self- centeredness and corruption may have facilitated these. Michael Lipsky speaking about bureaucratic discretion and ethnic bias in decision making said bias occur due to bureaucratic need to routinize, simplify and differentiate in a context of time and resource constraint and a lack of effective monitoring. The federal character commission has been somewhat silent about certain definitions and specifications on issues of indigeneship but it has given it distributional significance, and has also institutionalized power sharing and affirmative action, which connects to inclusion (Ehrhardt 2017). To control infiltration and false claiming of indigeneship by citizens from other states, local government councils have changed indigene certificates countless times, forcing those with the old version to go and seek renewal. Sometimes, minority groups (certain tribes and Christians) have complained of not being able to collect the new versions due to deliberate refusal/denial by persons in charge even after providing concrete evidence that they are indigenes of Yobe state. So many states in Nigeria have not been able to recover from conflicts that erupt from such exclusion on the basis of indigeneship or suppression of minority groups.

Consistent and sufficient logistical support to vigilante/ hunters group

No one would doubt the game changing role played by the vigilante and hunters’ group in supporting the Nigerian army and police to combat and secure remote locations in Yobe state and the northeast at large. The Establishment of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria could be traced to the year 1870, It was established to put an end to the rising wave of criminal activities by complementing the efforts of security agencies. All sorts of vices ranging from murder, rape, theft, etc were being perpetrated wantonly. Consequently, elders in Nigeria thought it necessary that civil defence organization should be reinstated. Thereafter the Vigilante Group of Nigeria was established to assist the Nigeria Police to protect lives and properties and prevent crimes (VGN web). Over the years, the state has supported these groups with vehicles, monthly stipend and other logistics required. As the rainy season is approaching, the terrain will be more difficult to traverse and there will be need for torch lights, rain coats, rain boots, power banks for charging of phones to aid communication, shade or meeting point while on duty etc. Most of these needs are peculiar to specific locations of the state. With limited military presence in some remote locations of the state, it will be good to improve their functional efficiency to ensure security of lives and properties on the highway and in communities as this will encourage return of IDPs to their communities and hence return to agricultural activities boosting of local economy.

 Some excluded persons/cases supported/referred on the project:

 *A stigmatized mother: Referral of a community member to IRC Case workers in Buni Yadi who was reportedly impregnated by a native doctor and gave birth to twins. However, the native doctor failed to take responsibility for the children. As a result, she has been stigmatized to the point that she stays indoors. The case has been referred to child protection unit of international rescue committee (IRC) who promised to take necessary action on the case.

*Giving women a voice in Fune LGA: With Proper mentoring, advocacy and accompaniment by Hope Interactive Team, a marginalized woman was appointed as the Personal assistant (PA) to the Executive Chairman of Fune LGA. This development has encouraged other marginalized groups to be more dedicated in their daily pursuit and having a sense of inclusivity.

*Supporting people to access indigene certificate: Hope Interactive through her Proper Mentoring and Accompaniment sessions helped a community member to obtain his indigene certificate from Gujba LGA secretariat after several attempts to obtain it but to no avail. This paved a way out for other marginalized persons in the community to be considered for their Indigenization certificates as well.

*Reviving Gujba disabled people’s association: Hope interactive Gujba Team was able to revive  Gujba Disabled Association which was not functional as a result of the insurgency. The association was mentored and conducted election which was carried out successfully. The elected officials will carry out their swearing in ceremony in order to carry out their duties much more effectively and to support other disabled people facing any form of marginalization. The already established Gujba Disabled Association participated in para soccer competition which was organised by Bet Naija. Gujba Disabled association emerged winners of the tournament beating other participatory teams across the state.

*Financial and health support: Though referral to Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), Some PLWD received health and financial support in Buni-Yadi, Gujba LGA.

*Facilitating a high level advocacy by People with special needs to the Emir of Damaturu: People with special needs in Damaturu LGA advocated to the Emir of Damaturu of their inclusion in humanitarian support rendered to the community. As a result of this, there is a standing order to reserve a certain percentage of humanitarian aid for people with disability especially when the Emirate is involved.

*Referral of buruli ulcer case to MSF, HANDS and Yobe state Ministry of health: Referral of suspected cases of Buruli ulcer to the federal ministry of health and MSF who have shown interest in supporting the affected persons. Not much is known about the etiology of this disease.

Lessons

Essentially, the project initiative integrates the voices and recommendations of both the marginalized groups/individuals and those who are involve in propagating the act.  Given the fact that it is evident that it was the first time for many participants from the different LGAs and communities to be engaged in such an initiative, especially those behind the scene, have realized the impact of extent of exclusion in their respective communities. Furthermore, duty bearers and policymakers that includes Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (i.e. mandate includes persons with disabilities), security service, and other international and local civil society organizations who in one-way or the other have specialized services in addressing specific needs of excluded identities have now picked up more interest on the issues and how it affect the development in the State.

The lessons from the projects have shown that high level of community resistance when inclusion feels imposed and/or when there is a perception that other people’s inclusion results in their own exclusion from opportunities. It is an inevitable conception that may emerge within the context. Aside from empowerment of excluded gender groups, the project transforms traditional power imbalances by fostering an environment conducive to meaningful inclusive participation. This was not only achievable through the consistency in engagement with participant but also through opening spaces for intersectional inclusion and engagement with power-holders, gatekeepers and the wider community to shift limiting gender norms, and to be more inclusive in their outlook and methodologies. Finally, project has drawn on collective narratives and practices collectively which depicts a respectful, non-blaming and empowering approach that centers on people as the experts in their own lives based on experiences.

1. Addressing the issue of exclusion requires a robust awareness creation: Awareness leads to consciousness and consciousness makes people to act for change.
2. In combating exclusion, we must opt for a holistic approach; working with all relevant stakeholders to do the identification of excluded persons and to proffer possible solutions.
3. The solutions to all issues of exclusion are all embedded within the vicinity. What we need is someone to provide the linkage and accompaniment/Mentoring to access it.
4. Every project, whether development or humanitarian should have a visible/palpable component of inclusion.
5. Not all excluded persons have the same need. Peoples encounter, experience and response during incidents vary.
6. Focusing on traditionally excluded persons (say women and youth) can blind peace/humanitarian/development actors from identifying other excluded persons in the society.

Policy implication

No one knows the value of peace like him that knows the price of war. Northeastern Nigeria has been plagued with insecurity for about 13 years. One of the push and pull factors recognized by various researchers is lack of inclusivity fueled by an epidemic known as marginalization using certain parameters; lack of responsiveness to citizens expectation; poverty; illiteracy etc (RUSI 2015).

1. Traditionally excluded people facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination are better able to meaningfully participate in, shape and lead peace-building and community security processes when they are carried along and fully integrated into all processes in the state.
2. Traditionally excluded people facing multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination can contribute immensely to peace-building and community security processes, humanitarian and developmental initiatives at the LGA and community level because they will have increased confidence, skills and opportunities to articulate their experiences, concerns and needs; and use these to actively engage in or lead.
3. The nation Nigeria has been blessed with diversity to harness social, economic, cultural and political development through building bridges of unity, equity/equality and closing the gaps of marginalization in our society.

CONCLUSION

There is a global consensus that inclusion matters in peace processes. The 2018 UN and world bank report, Pathways for peace, asserts that addressing inequalities and exclusion and making institutions more inclusive are key to preventing violent conflict (Accord issue 28). An inclusive and cohesive community is practically less vulnerable to violent extremist’s infiltration for purpose of spying and recruitment of combatants. One of the loopholes the insurgents have leveraged upon is targeting excluded persons in the society like disenfranchised youths, excluded minorities wallowing in neglect and poverty, street children and beggars (exploited almajiris) to assure them of social security, present them with financial enticement and so on. Inclusivity is the key to diversity and diversity is the key to economic and social development. Inclusion can be a useful tool in handling other lingering conflicts and insecurity issues in the region like the farmer-herder conflicts, electoral violence, Fulani banditry and kidnappings, inter-tribal and religious clashes etc.

Our approach to solving problems of inclusion must be holistic; solutions to problems of exclusion are not far-fetched, they are embedded within the vicinity. Let’s identify them; we must look beyond traditionally excluded persons to be holistic in our approach; needs of excluded persons vary from person to person. We can achieve this through harnessing the elements of positive human development in every member of our society not minding their gender, ethnicity, religion, circumstance/place of birth and ability, and ensuring a fair representation in our interventions and opportunities.

REFERENCES

•  The Accord, issue 28 inclusion in peace processes; Andy Carl et al (March 2019) Conciliation Resources, UK.
• Royal United Services Institute: Drivers of violent extremism: Hypothesis and literature review.  www.rusi.org. 16 October 2015.
• USAID publication by Guilain Denoeux with Lynn Carter, Management Systems International: Guide to the drivers of violent extremism (2019).
•  UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: www.un.org/disabilities/
• WHO on disabilities: www.who.int/disabilities/en/
• Sphere handbook 2018 (www.spherestandards.org)
• Play by the rules (PBR):  inclusion and diversity 2020 www.playbytherules.net.au
• Youth4peace.info: UNSCR 2250.
•  Nigeria Malala fund (2020) www.malala.org
• David Ehrhadarth; African affiars, volume 16, issue 464 (2017) pages 462-483.
• VGN (www.vgn.org).