SFCG ENGAGE COMMUNITIES IN PARTICIPATORY THEATRE FOR PEACFUL DIALOGUE IN ADAMAWA

YOLA —Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

Search For Common Ground with funding from the European Union (EU) under the COMITAS II Project leveraged participatory theatre to engage communities in constructive dialogue in pursuit of improved intra – inter-communal perceptions.

Over the past six months, 22 communities across 9 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa and Taraba states have been positively impacted by improving the perceptions of over 10,000 community members on the need for dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

To achieve this, selected focal persons were previously trained on mobilizing community members and script-writing skills to unearth and solve issues that cause conflict in their communities.

This approach empowered the communities to own up to traditional means of problem-solving mechanisms where community leaders act as courts and issues barely escalated to state actors.

Meanwhile, in the past 3 months, the culmination of the COMITAS project in Adamawa and Taraba states have staged lessons learned at the LGAs to get the by-ins of the LGA Administration.

9 Local Government Areas were selected in the two states, and they include: Girei, Lamurde, Guyuk, Shelleng, Zing, Lau, Numan, Demsa, and Mayo-Belwa.

These local governments have replicated what they successfully had at the community level to the LGA team.

Recently, Mayo-Belwa LGA replicated the community-led initiatives at the LGA level staging a participatory theatre act showcasing conflict resolution between herders/ farmers.

Speaking at the event, Chairman Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Umar Nashion appreciated the organisation for bringing such initiative to unite farmers and herders in their locality.

“We will always support search for common ground to ensure peace building is achieved in his community, he said.”

He advised farmers/herders to avoid illicit drug use, pointing out that most times, crisis erupts due to the influence of illicit drugs.

Search For Common Ground Media Coordinator, Victor Baba Okpanachi praised the LGA chairman and key actors for embracing the COMITAS Project.

“The community-led theatre groups will strengthen collaboration with Local Government authorities and promote sustained dialogue and conflict resolution.”

He used the opportunity to appeal to the locals to embrace peace and stay united.

By fostering inclusive, community-driven dialogue, it can be said that the COMITAS II Project will continue to promote lasting peace and cooperation in Adamawa and Taraba states.

Highlight of the event was the play staged by Herders/Farmers, the peaceful dialogue, and the cultural display by the Farmers and Herders.