CO-Peacebuilding, Rights & Inclusion In recent years, there has been growing attention on the roles that traditional and religious leaders can play in efforts to prevent and resolve conflict, in particular those surrounding violent extremism, given their integral placement in public and political dialogue. This attention has been followed by substantial financial and technical resources, often geared towards leveraging the influence such actors have within their communities or at national level. Oxfam is currently supporting such efforts across the region, including in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. While such actors often have detailed understanding of their local context and significant experience in applying local methods for conflict resolution, typically there are limited opportunitiesto share experiences and lessons learned, reflect on good practices across country contexts and establish cross-border dialogues and collaborations. Such exercises are particularly relevant given the sub-regional nature of the conflict dynamics and the inter-related challenges facing the peace and stability of the three countries. In an initial step towards creating opportunities to share experiences and discuss cross-border causes and dynamics of conflict, Oxfam IBIS has brought relevant partners and Country Office staff together from Burkina Faso and Niger in an initial #Participatory Conflict Analysis and Scenario Planning workshop# to jointly analyse country-specific conflict dimensions, while also share perspectives on regional and cross-border aspects of conflict.
Based on this initial workshop and theplatform offered to discuss conflict dynamics and effects, a range of priority areas for peacebuilding related initiatives were identified, grounded in local perspectives. From Oxfam Ibis side the two following priority areas of engagement concerning the problem of #the rise in the use of organized violence against the existing order (social, cultural, religious, economic, and political)# aremost relevant as the resonate well with existing program focuses and partnerships and would thus be interested to pursue:
1. Encourage cross-border dialogue between communities and religious leaders
To help counter violent extremism, actions to promote cross-border dialogue between religious communities and leaders in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso on issues of security, promotion of diversity (religious, ethnic, cultural) and building community resilience.
2. Reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience of youth
Develop targeted actions for permanent and effective youth occupation by offering opportunities and that must go beyond those limiting (mechanics, phone booth, sales, welding, carpentry ...) It will also require monitoring and evaluation of the efficiency of current job creation initiatives in the affected areas.
This concept note provides an overview of the proposal of engagement for 2019 addressing these two on the identified propriety areas for peacebuilding in the region and enable discussion with the Oxfam Country Office in Niger. It is intendedthat a similar proposal of engagement and discussions surrounding it will take place with the Oxfam Country Officesin Burkina Faso and Mali to actively involve both Oxfam colleagues and partners in shaping the initiative further and insuring its relevanceto local realities.