The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in conjunction with the Plateau Peace Building Agency, have organised a two day Round-table discussion on the Implementation of Peace Agreement and Relevant White Papers held at the Crispan Hotel Jos, Plateau State North Central Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the two day event, the Director Anglophone and Lusophone Africa, Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) Mr. Babatunde Afolabi said the insecurity and unprecedented threats to peace and stability that we are experiencing in Nigeria today are not exclusive to our shores alone. He stated that looking back at the trajectory of conflicts and disturbances experienced in Plateau State and in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, they have come a long way in the efforts to make, sustain and keep the peace.
“From the establishment of community peace infrastructure to converting conflict parties to Insider Mediators and enacting legislation that establish state and provincial peace agencies others are Placing Traditional Authorities and Communities at the heart of dialogue and mediation; ensuring the inclusion of every segment of society, especially women and youth in the dialogue process; the establishment of conflict management communities and the adoption of homegrown methods to undertake the work that is required,” he said.
In his keynote address titled “Reflections and the way forward from peace Agreements and Related Government white Papers,” former secretary to the Plateau State Government Barrister John Gobak, said, the signing of peace agreement and developing White Papers on same is a crucial step in our search for peace but the success ultimately lies in the implementation. He said we must acknowledge the fact that the implementation of post-conflict Peace Agreements is generally problematic in our clime, adding that there are a number of pitfalls militating against it
“Owing to this we must recognize certain dynamics that come to play during the transition period such as accountability of peace partners, High Expectations, unbridled Political partisanship, sensitive issues sidelined or understated in peace Negotiations, Deeping Acrimony amongst Communities,” he said.
Barrister Gobak said Through Government’s support, Plateau Peace Building Agency with its robust team of peacemakers, and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) has become an indispensable partner to Plateau State in our search for peace.
Governor Simon Lalong in his remarks urged stakeholders to make deliberate efforts to come up with solutions-driven kind of recommendations and at the same time give room for deeper insights and reflection on issues underpinning the myriad of Security problems facing the State.
” Let me assure HD and other critical stakeholders of our willingness to continue to collaborate with you through the Plateau Peace Building Agency. I am aware of the enormous contributions that have been achieved by the HD since 2013 in her dialogue process in Northern and Southern zones of Plateau State which have produced far-reaching agreements and recommendations by community Stakeholders. The Plateau State Government is However determined to find a lasting solution to the seemingly intractable problems. The commitment of Government is of course in line with its traditional responsibility of protecting lives and properties of citizens,” he said.
