By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog

Donninga (U/E), March 20, GNA – As part of efforts to prevent farmer-herder conflict and tackle violent extremism in Doninga and Kanjarga communities in the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region, a joint dialogue was held between farmers and herders at Doninga.

The dialogue, organized by the Community Peace Committees (CPCs) established by the Peace Council, provided a platform for peer learning, consensus building and experience sharing on conflict prevention strategies between farmers and Fulbe herders.

It formed part of the implementation of the action plans of the CPCs under the activity dubbed “Community Dialogues to Strengthen Indigene and Fulbe Relations and Establish Community Peace Committees (CPCs).”

The activity is under the Atlantic Corridor Project, being implemented by the Upper East Regional Peace Council with funding support from the governments of Norway, Australia and Denmark through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Mr Mathias Akanbong, the Secretary of the Doninga CPC, noted that while conflicts between farmers and herders had been a long standing issue, the 2024 farming season recorded minimal disputes following their training and interventions.

He said the programme was, therefore, an opportunity for the CPCs to introduce themselves and showcase their conflict prevention efforts over the past year to court the support of the communities to avert the recurrence of conflicts and promote peace.

Mr Robert Ayarik, the Secretary of the Kanjarga CPC, indicated that some Fulbe herders had adhered to advice against night grazing which has resulted in the reduction of  tensions.

“Some farmers, however, continue to exploit herders over minor grazing incidents,” he added.

He acknowledged that the concern of some farmers was why the Fulbe community welcomed new herders without informing the larger community and why night grazing still occurred despite previous agreements.

“The frequent association of Fulbe members with armed robbery incidents and other social crimes in the area is another key concern that the Fulbe community has raised and we are  committed to addressing these concerns” he emphasized.

Mr David  Angaamba, the Principal Programmes Manager at the Upper East Regional Peace Council, commended the CPCs for their efforts and urged the community to support them.

He also encouraged residents to promptly report early warning signs of conflicts, assuring them that the Peace Council was available to provide technical assistance when needed.

“What you all must be cautious about is the blanket labeling of crimes on the Fulbe community, because such stigmatization can lead to resentment and make them vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups,” he added.

Nab  Abrayenkaboa Ayuwie, the Chief of Naverinsa community, who spoke on behalf of other divisional chiefs of Doninga, reaffirmed the traditional council’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to maintain peace.

He urged the Fulbe to consider themselves part of the community and contribute to ensuring stability.
GNA