Ending divides in Niger: helping to reintegrate former affiliates of Boko Haram into their families
The project “Kallo Lenio, Klla Founna: Together, towards the future!” was launched in 2018 under the EU’s Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace.
Through its local partner Search for Common Ground, the EU was able to offer to more than 1100 victims, former affiliates and so-called repentis of Boko Haram psychological support and social and professional training. Besides helping these people get back to their communities, this is a crucial step in stabilisation and development of the Region of Diffa and Lake Chad Basin in Niger.
Abdou (name changed for security reasons) is one of the so-called repentis who received help and was able to rebuild his life. Abdou was arrested by the authorities. He was suspected of being a member and supporter of Boko Haram. He was imprisoned for four years. Now, back with his family, Abdou wishes more than ever for the peace to return to the region. “We can resume our activities without having to rely on help from outside. The violence doesn’t allow people to develop and live their lives”, he said.
Since September 2019, at the vocational training centre, funded by the European Union and run by Search for Common Ground (Search), Abdou started rebuilding his life by learning a new trade. He was training to become a tailor.
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