CIVIC partner Borno govt efforts  to restore civil authority in 7 councils 

By Ladi Jossy

A nongovernmental organization, the Center For Civilian In Conflict (CIVIC) has reiterated that its interventions in Borno State have complimented in Borno State government’s effort at the restoration of civil authority and supporting livelihood affected by the 13 years old conflict in the northeast region.

Team Lead CIVIC, Mr Mujidang Sitdang made this known during the launching of a report on civilian protection undertaken by CIVIC in Monguno held in Maiduguri.

The event witnessed the development partners, critical stakeholders, security agencies and the leadership of the host community and deliberated upon the way forward.

Mr Mujidang Sitdang said, ” Center for Civilians in Conflict over the years implemented programmes which supported displaced persons(IDPs) and host community of Monguno to restart their economic activities through the secured environment.

“Although there are positive reports of improvement of security, communities report of attacks in their farmland and on important highways which has impacted on food security and freedom of movement.” 

The Director of Communication and Advocacy, CIVIC Mr Udo Jude Ilo stressed that the Centre For Civilians in Conflict had been in the Country since 2016 supporting Civilians affected by Conflict and collaborating with the Military to ensure that casualties were minimised.    

Mr Udo Jude added that CIVIC was working in seven (7) local government areas of Borno State and building the capacity of the military on how best to protect civilians as well as the National Human Rights Commission to safeguard the rights of them civilians.

In a Goodwill message, Civil-Military Coordination Advisor UNDP, John Sanderson commended the local population for their resilience throughout the 13 years of insurgency and said UNDP was a partner along with CIVIC by providing infrastructural support to the Police, extended trench lines and building housing units as well as training for the Military and other law enforcement agencies.

Also, Chairman Monguno local government Alhaji Kyari Ibrahim commended CIVIC for all their interventions and appealed to the military to establish a base in the Marari area to help farmers to enhance the safety of returnees to their ancestral homes.

Presenting the report at the event, the Researcher with the Center For Civilians in Conflict, Dr Sarem Ugoh said the activities of CIVIC over the period through programmes implemented and interventions, saying it would form the basis for widening the protection of civilians in Monguno and beyond.

A panel was also set up to hear the response to the report presented at the event to re-establish and strengthen their humanitarian interventions in Borno State.

In her remark, Programme Manager CIVIC, Saratu Joshua Pindar thanked all the Stakeholders, development partners, and Participants for their support and expressed optimism that such collaboration will further facilitate the protection of Civilians in Conflict.