The exchange forum that held with leadership of men, women and youth movements examined the context and challenges of insecurity, elections and public management with the aim of establishing a framework to make positive contributions to seek redress where possible. The forum had the blessings of the synod office and was chaired by the Moderator’s representative for the NWR with 35 persons in attendance.
With the goal that CSOs and Faith Movements contribute in seeking solutions for an end to violence on civilians associated with the Anglophone crisis and the enhancement of the notion of just and peaceful societies. The objective was mainly for CSOs and Faith Movements to set up frameworks that reflect and carryout initiatives towards transforming the current conflict with nonviolent approaches to reduce or end the burden of suffering on civilians and expand the scope for the populations to enjoy basic rights and freedoms that will put them on a recovery path from the current hardship.
During the exchange, the context of its relevance was situated within the Current state of insecurity and suffering in the Northwest Region, the 2025 Election Question in the Region and the Conduct of Public Affairs (Public Management).
It was established that from May 15th to date about 50 persons have been killed in the region. Interestingly, after 3-4 days they are forgotten because there is no systematic recording of the events.
There has equally been rampant kidnapping with different forms of extortion including the liberation tax, adduction by the forces of law and order, unfortunately no one is talking about it, physical and psychological torture, frequent ghost towns including road blocks, complete disruption of social and economic activities in the region, destruction of properties, conspiracy in support of crimes and protecting criminals, settling of scores, arbitrary arrest and forceful disappearance including the use of hard drugs
Coupled with the above it is estimated that over 40 persons have been killed of whom 30 were civilians. Over 30 persons have been injured, about 7 vehicles burnt of which 6 were taxis, 3 moto bikes and a residential house burnt down and with more than 4 motor bikes seized. Again, several vehicles with blue and white colours have been impounded with incidences of gunshots and or exchanges were recorded along main streets, in broad day light and amidst populations leaving many running for safety in panic. Kidnappings for ransom and multiple forms of financial extortion remain high.
Regarding elections, the North West Region had less that 5% participation rates in the previous elections. This was as a result of boycott of elections, intimidation, threats and attacks. Voter apaty as a result of unfair electoral systems/processes and lack of transparency. Unfortunately, public management is considered to be protecting this electoral system, where none representatives and no accountability of elected persons strives.
Conduct of Public Affairs (Public Management). It was established at this point that there remain the issue of dilapidating/poor roads networks within the region, poor waste collection and management, poor water quality and no water in some areas with destructions of water systems in others, frequent power cuts, low and high voltage in some places that destroy properties. Over billing of utility bills in some areas and nonpayment of bills in other. Indirect taxes via high prices on goods and services.
There equally exists controversial decisions with subsequent negative consequences from some administrators and members of the Non State Armed Groups (NSAGs). Poor analysis of impact assessment and public decisions; notably, if a developmental process is not mature and ready for execution, action towards it should not be initiated. For instance, the destruction of people’s houses in view of the road construction project yet to be realized.
As a result, some proposed actions established for a Framework included amongst other things:
- The PCC peace office in collaboration with COMINSUD will develop a plan of action to build peace, develop a platform for continues reflection at every level of the church and the community.
- Compulsorily, aspects of peace building should be mainstreamed into study materials for the different groups in the church and society.
- A monitoring system should be set-up to promote actions for peace and conflict resolution.
- Partnerships should be built with other FBOs promoting interdenominational and ecumenical reflections for a common movement for peace.
Following public resignation by the population on the happenings in the region, people are at this time looking for whom to rely on. Unfortunately, they are counting on the CSOs who cannot single handedly shake the confrontations on ground. It was while reflecting on this that the PCC Peace Office and COMINSUD decided to organize the exchange forum to share experiences and develop a framework using the values of positivity, inclusion, equality tolerance and nonviolence that will be used to cause impact to about 1/3 of the population of the North West Region.
Citing examples of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parker and Nelson Mandela as promoters of non-violence peace movements in the United States and South Africa respectively, they believe that it is possible for CSOs/FBOs to promote non-violence peace. Remarkably, they agreed that change will not come because of the fight from beneath, but change will come from above depending on the work done from beneath. While not minimizing numbers in a peace movements, it was established that if actions are not well coordinated efforts may become risky. Hence, the gathering was to advocate for change, develop strategies and structures to bring about change.
Finally, the peace matrix was use to demonstrate why participants present were important for such a forum as this and how they can impact change within the society based on their portfolios.
Community Initiative for Sustainable Development 