The project “Jandeniyo! Let’s Talk About It! – An Initiative to support the Disengagement and Reintegration of Former Combatants and Violent Extremist Group Affiliates in Niger” was implemented by Search Niger in the Diffa region from April 2018 to June 2021, with support from the United State Department Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO).
The project aimed to increase positive information, insight, and perspectives on key issues related to voluntary disengagement from violent extremist groups and peaceful reinsertion of ex-combatants, and to diversify and strengthen information sharing mechanisms for issues relating to the voluntary disengagement from violent extremist groups and the peaceful reinsertion of ex-combatants in Diffa.
The evaluation highlights the effective reach of the project. 86% of repentant respondents say they have seen a message at least once, and 45% at least twice. Overall, the message has reached the “front lines,” which is an important mark of effectiveness in a context of insecurity and hard to reach target locations. Messages shared had a significant impact on disengagement. 62% said they were assured that there was a way back and 66% said messaging facilitated their return. Messages especially fostered understanding of the surrender and the reintegration process. The evaluation also shows that most of the community members are willing to accept the reintegration of repentant individuals, with high level (above 80%) of willingness to forgive and work together. 71% of repentant respondents also highlighted how the project contributed to improve their perception of the authorities, showing the strong contribution of the project to improving institutional legitimacy.
