Capitalization report and lessons learned “Kallo Leino Klla Founa” project– Together, let’s move forward into the future”,of which the goal Contribute to the peaceful reintegration of repentant prisoners and presumed members of Boko Haram in the Diffa region, funded by the European Union through the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (ICsP).
This project supported the Ministry of the Interior, the Governor of the Diffa region and the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP), through these three axes: The de-radicalization of individuals who participated in the actions of the Boko Haram group; The social and professional reintegration of penitents and ex-prisoners; Communication and community awareness on the return of repentant individuals and ex-prisoners.
Through the capitalization effort, the experience and know-how acquired during the projects carried out are preserved, systematized, shared and made available to local partners, while facilitating the planning of future projects. The objective of this capitalization was to “Identify, analyze and share good practices, lessons learned and challenges of support activities for the reintegration of ex-combatants Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region“:
Highlights of the capitalization
- With regard to the success factors, the capitalization process reveals a better understanding of the contours of reintegration and the implications for the return of stability to Diffa following the establishment of frameworks for dialogue between the members of the community and their leader on the government’s call for reintegration has led to a better situation. A positive change in the behavior of detainees and pentiti who participated in de-radicalization activities as declared by the prison managers on the basis of their observation. The implementation of the project prompted the government to adapt Niger’s legal framework to the government’s call for the socio-professional reintegration of former Boko Haram combatants.
- Regarding the lessons learned, the capitalization process reveals that the legal aspect related to the call for reintegration was an essential aspect of the reissue of Boko Haram fighters. This should have been dealt with before the start of the program and the activities of the NGO partners. The redevelopment of spaces in the Goudoumaria camp and Kollo prison has enabled activities to be held in compliance with required standards. The endowment of young people from the communities with IGAs has reduced conflicts and frustration over the reintegration of repentants. Respondents unanimously affirm the need to continue supporting young people in return communities.
- Finally, as a difficulty, the capitalization process reveals the poor coordination between partner NGOs, the HACP, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice during the closing phase of the process initiated since the start of the program. The constant external threat from armed groups in the Tillabéri region to hinder the continuity of activities at the level of Kollo prison and a definitive cessation of activities at Koutoukalé prison. Some members of the community still fear that these repentants will return to Boko Haram and once again sow insecurity in the region. There is a risk for the community to be targeted by Boko Haram due to the return of repentants and ex-detainees.
