Photo by RET

Article by Lawel Fatima Bouzou, Communications Officer for RET Niger

The Cornerstone: CIGABA’s Commitment to Peace

MARADI, NIGER – Guidan Roumdji, one of the areas covered by the CIGABA project implemented by RET Germany in partnership with ASB, KARKARA, and AB2M, faces persistent security and social challenges. To respond to these pressures and promote harmony, the project—working with the prefecture and partner organisations—helped organise a major forum on social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

Far from being only a place for discussion, the event is a flagship activity of the project’s Social Cohesion component, managed by Karkara under RET Germany’s leadership. It demonstrates that durable peace grows from shared commitments, locally driven solutions, and tangible actions taken by all communities.

CIGABA, a Key Actor for Cohesion

One highlight was the address by the project coordinator, who presented CIGABA’s objectives and progress on the ground. He stressed that the social cohesion component aims to prevent tensions, reinforce mediation mechanisms, and nurture solidarity among communities.

“Social cohesion is not an abstract idea; it is built daily—in villages, in families, and in spaces like this,” he said, emphasising CIGABA’s work with communities to transform potential conflicts.

Broad Participation and Constructive Dialogue

The forum drew over 300 participants from varied backgrounds: administrative officials, community and religious leaders, security forces, youth groups, and women’s associations.

Attendees went beyond listening; many shared experiences, voiced concerns, and proposed concrete solutions. Discussions addressed practical issues such as:

• Preserving natural resources
• Managing land disputes
• Strengthening community vigilance against security threats

Photos by RET

Voices Echoing CIGABA’s Goals

Speakers underlined messages at the heart of the project:

• The Prefect of Madarounfa stressed a preventive, participatory approach to land conflicts.
• The head of the Defense and Security Forces encouraged vigilance and reporting of suspicious activity, reinforcing safety and cohesion.
• A representative of the Sultan highlighted forgiveness, self-acceptance, and mutual respect as vital values.

Koyni, a participant from Guidan Sori, captured an essential lesson:

“We cannot talk about social cohesion without involving women. We will organise awareness talks in our village,” he said, drawing warm applause.

Looking Ahead

This forum stands as a milestone for Guidan Roumdji. It confirms that peace and cohesion rely on the engagement of every stakeholder—and that every voice matters in shaping a secure future.

Photos by RET

---