By Israel Mbam, Abakaliki
Participants at a one-day quarterly dialogue on Conflict prevention and mitigation organized by USAID State2State Activity in Ebonyi state have proffered solutions to some identified triggers of conflicts in the State. The participants made up of CSOs, representatives of line ministries and other stakeholders identified some major mobilizers and triggers of conflicts, especially in the recently concluded general elections in the State.
Discussants during the panel session of the dialogue held on Friday, March 24th, 2023 at Ebonyi State2State office in Abakaliki, harped on the need for stakeholders at all levels to have proactive conflict and gender sensitive action pland to prevent or mitigate conflicts that might arise from grievances among individuals, groups and communities. They held that electoral malpractices, weak institutions, land disputes, destruction of public facility, non-inclusiveness and partisanship of some traditional rulers were some of the factors that trigger violence and conflicts in the State.
In their appraisal of the recently conducted elections in Ebonyi State, some of the participants including Mr. Oliver Aja, Rev. Joseph Nwibo, Barr. Nkem Chukwu, Mr. Gorge Etamesor, Lorieth Nwafor among others, observed that destruction of public facilities, abuse of human rights, delay in provision of basic services such as education, health care, WASH among others were some lapses and challenges noticed during the election period.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Ebonyi State Team Lead for State2State, Dr. Sam Onyia, explained that the dialogue was for stakeholders to review issues of conflicts in Ebonyi state, the 2023 general elections and to identify emerging issues and implications on service delivery, especially in areas of basic education, primary healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Dr. Onyia added that the dialogue was also expected to analyze and proffer solutions to conflict issues that might impede development in Ebonyi State.
On her part, State2State LGA Manager, Mrs. Ebere Victora Eze while outlining the objectives and expected outcome of the dialogue, emphasized that the meeting was expected to develop an implementable action plan to further sensitize stakeholders on how best to prevent or mitigate conflicts in Ebonyi State.
Highpoints of the dialogue were panel discussions, group work, presentations and drafting of action plan for the next quarter by the Ebonyi state Network of Civil Saocieties.
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