The Executive Secretary, Borno State Agency for the Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs (BSACSDHA), Alhaji Bunu Monguno has tasked Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) participants at the one-day Community Militias Report Launch and Panel Discussion to digest honestly and recommend frankly the best in the overall interest of the people, society and government the complementary efforts, sacrifices, resources and logistics or working tools, role and livelihoods of the community militias in the state.
He added that it was hopeful that the launch and panel discussion will suggest formidable and implementing frameworks for true community Militias after the Boko Haram insurgency as to what will be the role of these volunteered youths in the society which informed the need for a thorough research to be conducted like the CIVIC’s Report Launch and Panel Discussion for a way forward for Tue community Militias in the society and future.
The event was held at the White Arena Conference Hall in Maiduguri on the evolution, roles and the impact of Community Militias and Security Groups in Borno State, titled “To Defend or Harm? Community Militias in Borno State , Nigeria.”
Monguno called on the consultants, partners, researchers, governments, community, security and traditional stakeholders at the conference to be frank and unbiased in their discussions and deliberations.
According to him, the agency anchors the implementation of the 25 Years Development Plan and 20 Years Strategic Transformation Initiative of to state government , stressing that, peace and tranquility are required for this 9 pillars of the proposed development plan to be achievable .
He also noted that the paradigm for the implementation of the development plan where all sectors of the state will play a vital role including the individuals, community , religious, traditional, ethnic, educational, commercial, political and security leaders/stakeholders will participate and evolve a way forward in the rebuilding process of the state .
The Country Director, CIVIC Nigeria, M. Tunde Ojei said the launch if the CIVIC’s report called to defend or harm? Community Militias in Borno State covered the conflict in the north east Nigeria which lasted for too long and too many innocent lives were killed and wounded or abducted , separated with their loved ones, relations and families or communities as IDPs, widows, orphans and widowers.
He added that since 2016 CIVIC has been partnering with the EU Delegation in the implementation of strengthening civilian protection policy and practice in Nigeria aimed at strengthening civilian protection policies and programmes, support CSOs to promote the protection of civilians and institutionalize Civilian Harm Migration (CHM).
The Country Director said in the first phase of the implementation , CIVIC provided Technical Assistance to federal government to advance its Protection of Civilians (POC) policy, trained 1,660 military officers and more than 1,100 community militias members on POC and and CHM while Structured Protection Committees have been established in 6 communities of Borno state.
He said EU counts on the engagement of all stakeholders in north east Nigeria to implement the agenda as perspectives on the report towards enshrining peace and human rights projects.
Stakeholders at the Launch and Panel Discussion include EU, FCDO, UNDP, NPF, NSCDC, Borno CSO Network, NEPSN, PSWG, CJTF Commanders, Head of Hunters, Head Vigilante Groups, NHRC, CISLAC, SAG/AG, etc.
Highlights at the Launch and Panel Discussion include Report Presentation, Panel Discussion, Group Photographs, Goodwill messages and comments from stakeholders.
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