The overall objective of this project is to “strengthen the resilience of young people to violent extremism and promote long-term stability in northern Tillabéri”. This project is implemented in five (5) municipalities in the Tillabéri region (Abala, Ayorou, Banibangou, Bankilaré, Sanam). This first phase of the project funded by USAID for a period of 24 months is implemented in partnership with the local association ComDev, works with the High Authority for the Consolidation of Peace (HACP), the Governorate of Tillabéri, the councils of young people, local conflict management structures, community radios and young leaders. As a prelude to the implementation of project activities, a baseline study was carried out in July 2020 to understand the scope of the issue related to violent extremism.
The general objective of this baseline study is to determine the baseline level of project performance indicators ensuring greater conflict sensitivity. The main results of this baseline assessment are structured under the following key points:
Conflict dynamics analysis
- The conflict analysis conducted as part of this baseline study confirms the worrying state of the security situation. The main characteristic of the region’s context is its high volatility, creating a climate of permanent anxiety even in periods of calm. The most recurrent conflicts that hinder security stability and social cohesion within communities are conflicts related to access and management of natural resources, conflicts related to the actions of NSAGs, leadership conflicts, conflicts conflicts, conflicts between young people and communities and conflicts between authorities and communities.
Factor of divisions and triggers of conflicts
- Distrust and prejudice based on belonging to a socio-cultural group;
- Poor management of conflicts by leaders and traditional chiefs;
- The collapse of the economic sector and employment in the municipalities;
- Disunity of leaders responsible for bringing the community together around a common interest
Insufficient transparency in the public management of the authorities; - Lack of trust between the Defense and Security Forces and the communities;
- Suspicion of community complicity with non-state armed groups;
- Restriction of individual and collective freedoms by imposing a state of security emergency;
- Ignorance of the importance of safety precautions and civic obligations by some community members and Inappropriate behavior of certain FDS elements in relation to their mission.
Baseline for performance indicators
- Indicator 1: 34% of target community members say young people are taking steps to become active and positive members.
- Indicator 1.1: 36% of targeted youth believe they can meaningfully engage with their peers in a non-adversarial and non-violent way.
Recommendations for addressing the different needs and experiences of all individuals
- Due to its social and economic ambitions, the “On est ensemble” project must maintain a watchful eye on the involvement of women in the implementation of its interventions.
Recommendation for strengthening positive youth engagement
- Analyze the needs of young people and take their opinions into account to increase their commitment to social cohesion between community groups in each municipality.
Recommendations for strengthening dialogue
- It emerges from this analysis that the collaboration between the young people of the communities in conflict is weak and the omnipresent mistrust. For several other reasons, previous projects have missed their objectives because members of minority and/or marginalized communities have not been involved, severely limiting the impact of the results.
