Search Niger is implementing the project “Mu Gina Gobé! Let’s build tomorrow!”, an 18-month project funded by the European Union through the Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace (ICsP). It aims to lay the foundations for long-term stabilization of the northern border municipalities of Tillabéri and Tahoua.
This project contributes to the effort of the Government of Niger and other technical and financial partners to contribute to increased stabilization in the municipalities affected by the exactions and armed attacks of non-state armed groups (NSAG).
The baseline study conducted at the beginning of the project highlighted the different types of conflicts affecting peace and stability in the region: armed conflicts linked to attacks by NSAG(70%), conflicts between farmers and herders (10%), conflicts between young people (8%) and SVWG (12%). The resurgence of conflicts in the project areas affects children, young people, women and men differently. While men are more affected by the risk of assassination by NSAG, insecurity and risks related to civilian protection have other effects on women: economic, social, and institutional. Concerning accountability for project activities, the project can build on dynamics that already exist, but needs to ensure inclusion of diverse community members and capacity building of key stakeholders to play their role in reporting back to communities.
In this context, there is a certain level of trust and collaborative relationships with security forces and among communities, but not among the majority of respondents. 35% of respondents declared increased collaboration between the population, FDS and authorities in security management. 55% of the respondents perceive that the FDS are essential partners for their security and protection, but only 25% of respondents say they are satisfied with the relevant services (e.g. protection) offered by the FDS. 40% of respondents say their municipality has micro-projects/initiatives that promote collaboration between them and the authorities. Finally, 35% of respondents demonstrate confidence in their community’s ability to respond to conflict, and 40% report having interacted with other community groups.
