SILDEP trains peace ambassadors to combat violent extremism in Sisaala West and East
The Social Initiative for Literacy and Development Programme (SILDEP) has organized a two-day capacity-building training for selected Community Peace Ambassadors to address the rising threat of violent extremism and internal land and chieftaincy disputes.
The training, held in collaboration with North Code and funded by Conciliation Resources, targeted participants from four critical border communities: Kasana, Limeira, Puzene, and Gbarima.
These communities share direct borders with Burkina Faso, making them frontline areas vulnerable to the spillover of extremist activities.
Mr. Hussein Elyasu, the Sissala East Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), who served as the lead facilitator, took participants through techniques for identifying the root causes of conflict and strategies for peacebuilding.He further sensitized the ambassadors on conflict mediation and management, emphasizing the importance of early intervention when disputes arise.
The second day of the workshop focused on effective communication, conflict de-escalation, and vigilance against violent extremism. To ensure a wider impact, the initial group of facilitators was joined by five additional community members from each of the four locations.
Mr. Adams Bullu Hudu, a participant from Puzene, told the Radford news that the training was timely given the recurring attacks in neighboring Burkina Faso. He pledged that the ambassadors would return to their communities to implement the security and conflict management strategies learned.
Another facilitator, Madam Bayaga Rashida from Kasana, called for greater social cohesion and an end to tribalism. She noted that unity with minority groups, such as the Fulbe and Mossi, was essential to forming a solid front against external security threats.
Speaking at the close of the session, Hon. Moses Luri Dramani, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SILDEP, stated that all facilitators are required to develop action plans to operationalize the training in their respective jurisdictions. “It is in the absence of peace that we find its value, but when it exists, it is often treated as valueless, like the air we breathe,” Hon. Luri remarked.He urged the communities to emulate the harmonious living standards of their ancestors by showing love and respect to their neighbors, regardless of ethnic background.
Hon. Luri expressed SILDEP’s readiness to expand the peace ambassador program to more communities across the region, pending the availability of resources.
Bashiru Nuhu Bapagu