Zulum unveils model on B’Haram repentant terrorists reintegration into communities
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has said that the Borno model is a product of necessity, which will stand the test of time to integrate over 100, 000 Boko Haram repentant terrorists and families into communities.
According to him, the model is to address challenging situations over the ongoing massive surrender of Boko Haram terrorists and their families to the military.
Unveiling the Borno Model, yesterday (Wednesday), in Maiduguri, the Governor, represented by Zuwaira Gambo, the Women Affairs and Social Development Commissioner, disclosed: “We’ve to choose between an endless wars or cautiously accept the surrendered terrorists and their family members into our communities.”
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She noted that the implementation of the model is resource intensive and requires multi-donor funding among others.
Besides, Gambo added that, as the UN has adopted the model, it will ensure sustainable peace and development of the state.
“We’ve to critically look between two extreme conditions and decide our future,” she said, lamenting that the State government has to choose between endless wars or cautiously accepting the surrendered terrorists, which is painful and difficult for anyone who lost loved ones.
According to her, the objective of the model is to facilitate the return of individuals and families leaving armed groups into their respective communities.
She further disclosed that the reintegration process is in line with state, federal and international legal imperatives with global best-practices.
Besides, she added that the model complements the military Operation Safe
Corridor (OPSC) that addresses acute rise in exits of Boko Haram members and families.
Continuing; “OPSC has been partnering with State institutions as well as United Nations (UN) agencies.
“The model has also contributed to the Lake Chad Basin Commission’s Regional Strategy,” stating that the model comprises four pillars of Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of persons associated with Boko Haram.
On the implementation of Model, she said: “It’s being implemented in five phases from reception to release or further treatment, investigation and potential prosecution of individuals based on the case management at centres.”
According to her, it aligns with Borno State 25-year Development Plan with a 10-point transformation strategy.
She said the strategy sets out key priorities with plans of action in the short, medium and long terms.
“The Model, at the international level, also aligns with UN frameworks on the treatment or handling of persons existing terrorist or armed groups designated by the UN as terrorist organisations.
She noted that host communities of repentant terrorists are to enable residents to have a positive perception and confidence in their integration into society.
According to her, the target group comprises ex-fighters and their families, farmers, associated persons’ families, children and women.
“They are engaged in the various communities, after dialogue and awareness raising on trust-building to overcome the challenges of massive surrender to the military.
While in the rehabilitation camps, new arrivals are provided with interim care services to children and women, including nutrition, care and child friendly rehabilitation, reunification and other service
“There are also provisions for integrated Mental Health and Psychosocial Services (MPHSS) in camps,” she said, noting that food, clothes, shelter, water sanitation and hygiene services are provided at the transit camps.
She said basic and civic education, peace and religious education services are provided in the various camps.
“While training on livelihoods, religious education, counselling are also provided by International Organisation for Migration (IOM), UNICEF, NGOs, traditional and religious leaders,” said Gambo.
