Reconciliation in practice: local pathways to peace in Central Nigeria

In the flashpoint city of Jos, Women for Peace are testament to the power of a grassroots approach. As women from different backgrounds who have lived through decades of local rivalry, they have a clear understanding of hurt on all sides. It is proven, time and again, that their locally devised and led reconciliations are more effective in the long-term than efforts from afar, without local knowledge. Local ownership of the reconciliation process strengthens grassroots networks, which underpin (inter)national reconciliation efforts.

Women for Peace host meetings between opposing voices in safe, neutral spaces. The crisscrossing of Christians and Muslims at mealtimes, at the market, or at school, creates opportunity for mutual understanding and recognition of a shared humanity. Women talk and eat together. They share skills in computing, craft and literacy and, over time, launch businesses together. As the women exchange stories of familial responsibilities and concerns for their respective communities, what is shared becomes stronger than what sets them apart. Dialogue challenges harmful narratives of “them” and “us” and allows warring communities to intersect more organically and amicably.

Community representatives from diverse faiths and spiritual backgrounds must also come together in these safe spaces of encounter and dialogue. Faith is as much a part of community identity as it is an individual’s identity in Central Nigeria. An understanding of different faiths helps to break down fear and to nurture mutual understanding. Dialogue does not eliminate the risk of clashes, but it can mitigate them in real and practical ways, such as countering false rumours, issuing local calls for restraint and promoting regional de-escalation. These inter-faith conversations should not be limited to traditional spiritual leaders though: we see time and again that the inclusion of different genders, ages, and backgrounds further strengthens ties across divides.

Inter-faith dialogue and community mediation efforts are invaluable; they are the essential engine for long-term healing. We recognise, however, that dialogue is not a substitute for robust security or accountability. Policymakers should be deeply wary of championing these peace initiatives while simultaneously failing to secure the environment in which dialogue can flourish. The healing process cannot be sustained if systemic impunity prevails.

The Women for Peace initiative is proof that the involvement of women in peacebuilding processes, even during times of violence and division, leads to more sustainable outcomes. Women broaden conflict-based conversations, emphasising the repercussions on the wider community and addressing the root causes of conflict.[3] The inclusion of women in informal reconciliation processes reduces the likelihood of conflict reoccurrence.[4] Combined with skills-sharing and income generation projects, this approach empowers women to become both leaders and earners within their communities.

Reconciliation efforts become even more resilient when they have strong ties to younger generations. Breaking cycles of violence can start in the classroom and in other informal learning settings. Peace is not an abstract concept; it is a process of reimagining relations with others. Peace is sustained by children who have a strong sense of self and who have a respect for similarly strong identities in others. By learning that difference is a fact of life, children can disagree with one another more productively, informing future interactions as adults.

So, what do the practical underpinnings to a more peaceful future in Central Nigeria look like? For our local partners, it looks like the strategic creation of safe spaces for the renewal of contacts across lines of conflict; the robust promotion of inter-faith dialogue; and the meaningful engagement of women and young people, whilst being mindful of traditional hierarchies and not alienating them.

These grassroots efforts cannot bear the full burden of peace alone. Their vital, localised impact must be met by decisive national and international action to stop the killings and enforce the rule of law.