Borno records drop in stigma against Boko Haram returnees

The Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development has reported improved acceptance of people returning from the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State, with some women rebuilding their lives through businesses and children gaining access to formal education.

The foundation’s Executive Secretary, Hamsatu Allamin, disclosed this on Tuesday at the organisation’s end-line reflection and learning workshop in Maiduguri, where stakeholders reviewed efforts to promote reintegration and prevent violent extremism.

Allamin said some women who previously faced rejection were now running businesses and earning the trust of community members.

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She recalled that when the foundation began its interventions about six years ago, some women returning from areas affected by the insurgency faced exclusion, even in internally displaced persons’ camps, and struggled to gain acceptance in host communities.

She said attitudes had changed in some communities, citing the example of a returnee whose business was attracting customers and helping her build relationships with residents.

According to Allamin, the progress highlighted the importance of combining economic support with efforts to change community attitudes towards returnees.

On education, she said the foundation had engaged relevant authorities to help children returning from areas affected by the insurgency gain admission to formal schools.

She added that the foundation followed up with schools and teachers to support the children’s integration and monitor their attendance.

The workshop reviewed the foundation’s programme on stability, reintegration and resilience against violent extremism in Borno State, including its achievements, challenges and lessons for future interventions.

Allamin said the programme had documented good practices and recommendations to guide government agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders working to reintegrate returnees and prevent violent extremism.

She urged the media to share the lessons learnt and amplify the voices of victims, survivors and vulnerable people affected by the insurgency.

“Cooperation among communities, religious leaders, government institutions, civil society organisations and the media was essential to building trust and sustaining reintegration efforts” she explained.

She said involving stakeholders in planning, implementing and reviewing interventions helped them identify challenges and agree on areas for improvement.

Allamin added that the programme had sensitised communities on how to identify early warning signs of violent extremism and respond to emerging concerns.

She urged communities to accept returnees and give them the opportunity to rebuild their lives, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence.

She also commended the Borno State Government and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.