The Adamawa State Government has announced plans to establish a peace commission aimed at building upon the achievements of the COMITAS project, an initiative lauded for reducing violent clashes between farmers and herders over natural resources.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri made this statement during the close-out ceremony of COMITAS II on Tuesday, highlighting the positive progress in socio-economic activities within conflict-affected areas of the state compared to previous years.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Edgar Amos, the governor attributed these advancements to the efforts of the Search for Common Ground initiative in promoting peace and finding long-term solutions to the ongoing conflict between farmers and herders.
The governor emphasized that the peace initiative’s approach to fostering dialogue and understanding had played a crucial role in achieving sustainable peace within these communities.
Fatima Abubakar, the Country Director of Search for Common Ground, also spoke at the ceremony and underscored the success of the COMITAS project in reducing violent conflict between farmers and herders.
She noted that in prior years, the disputes over land and natural resources had often resulted in deadly confrontations, causing significant loss of life and property. However, with the implementation of COMITAS, there has been a reduction in these violent episodes, allowing for improved community relations and stability.
Edgar Amos, in his address, commended the efforts of the consortium organizations behind the COMITAS project, including Search for Common Ground, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and Mercy Corps, all of which have worked tirelessly to address the root causes of conflict between farmers and herders in the region.
Amos revealed that the Adamawa State Government was committed to continuing the momentum generated by the project, and as part of this, the government is preparing to establish a peace commission, which would take over the project’s structures as it comes to a close.
He added, “We would continue to invest in peacebuilding, and the security of lives of our people by supporting both arable farmers and livestock farmers to embrace modern production techniques that would reduce pressure on land and take advances in science and technology. We are empowering them to embrace climate resilience and our peace commission will soon take off.
“In our security council meetings, we have charged our traditional rulers and tasked them to ensure peace within their domains. The state will continue to build on the success of the COMITAS project and utilize the lessons that have been learnt.”
The COMITAS project, which is set to conclude by January 15, 2025, was funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of organizations including Search for Common Ground, Mercy Corps, and the International Organization for Migration.
The initiative focused on resolving conflicts over natural resources between farmer and herder communities across Adamawa and Taraba States.
Throughout its duration, the project positively impacted 32 conflict-prone communities spanning 7 local government areas in Adamawa and 2 council areas in Taraba.