NGO trains 220 Islamic clerics on peace, reconciliation of exfighters

A nongovernmental organisation, Centre for Democracy and Development(CDD), has trained 220 Islamic leaders(Ulamaas) to kick start a peace building process and reconciliation for both victims of insurgency and repentant insurgents in the northeast.

Programme Manager CDD in the Northeast, Mr. Stephen Amuda, announced this in Maiduguri at the launching of a peace advocacy programme tagged “Sulhu Alheri Ne” for the clerics. It is aimed at preparing the communities for peace building and reconciliation in Borno state.

He said the program would help the contending parties to put their differences aside and build a cordial relationship for peaceful coexistence.

“Precisely what we are doing is peace building. We intend to build the capacity of religious leaders in order to train the community in peace buildingrelated issues.

“We have trained a total of 220 Islamic leaders; 80 clerics here in Borno, 70 in Yobe and 70 in Adamawa. These participants will also train others.

“So all we are doing is to ensure there is peace, we need peace in Borno and the northeast without peace there would be no substantial development,” he said.

A Research Fellow with CDD, Prof. Mala Mustapha, said the launch of the manual was part of CDD initiative of ensuring community engagement in peace building and inclusion of the both victims and stakeholders in the reintegration process.

“The clerics are considered as gatekeepers in their communities. That is why we launched a manual, which will prepare them to go back to their communities to educate their people on the need to embrace an indigenous approach to peace building.

One of the participants, the Chief Imam of Ramat Polytechnic Mosque, Mohammed Ali Gajiram, said the manual was a good foundation for reconciliation. “It was the Ulamaas that suggested to CDD to come up with a manual, which will serve as a guide for both the community and individuals affected by the insurgency.

“So We Ulamaas have worked tirelessly and come out with the manual. And with this development, the reconciliation is visible.