By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
Government officials in Borno State have undergone a one-day training workshop on Transitional Justice, organized by the Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development. Held at the Musa Usman Ministry of Finance Conference Hall in Maiduguri, the workshop aimed to enhance awareness and understanding of Transitional Justice within the state.
Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, Executive Director of the Allamin Foundation, highlighted the workshop’s goal of aligning existing government initiatives with the principles of Transitional Justice. She emphasized the importance of participant feedback in shaping future peacebuilding efforts.
Dr. Lawan Balami, the foundation’s Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant, introduced the session by outlining the expected outcomes. He revealed that the insights and recommendations gathered would be compiled into a Policy Dialogue document to guide future actions.
A key highlight was a presentation by Professor Haruna Dlakwa, Vice Chancellor of Borno State University, titled “Understanding Transitional Justice and Reconciliation: The Role of MDAs in Borno State.” Professor Dlakwa underscored the critical role of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in implementing Transitional Justice, especially in the aftermath of the Boko Haram/ISWAP conflict. He stressed the need for MDAs to engage in public enlightenment, project design and implementation, and the provision of essential social services. Additionally, he pointed to the importance of balancing restorative and retributive justice to ensure both victim reparation and appropriate punishment for violent extremists.
The workshop also focused on the necessity of coordinated efforts for demilitarization, de-radicalization, rehabilitation, resettlement, and the reintegration of both perpetrators and victims of violent extremism. The discussions included the significance of establishing Truth and Reconciliation Tribunals to support these goals.
Through this initiative, the Allamin Foundation seeks to promote lasting peace and reconciliation, particularly among those affected by the 15-year conflict in Borno State and the wider North East.
The foundation plans to present its recommendations to the state government, urging support and implementation to further these peacebuilding efforts.
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