June 30, 2021, Niamey, Niger – On June 28, the Ombudsman’s Office in cooperation with the Prime Minister of Niger and other stakeholders and partners to launch a three-day regional seminar at the Hotel Bravia on the management of local and community conflicts in the Liptako Gourma region. This region faces worsening security challenges which affect the border area between Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) applauds the Ombudsman’s office for its leadership in convening this event to highlight the importance of efforts to prevent and peacefully resolve community conflicts and build social cohesion as a critical means of reducing vulnerability to armed violent extremist groups. USAID’s partners have been pleased to have participated as members of the planning committee over the last 18 months as well as covering one-third of the event costs.
“The growing insecurity over the last few years in the Sahel and in Niger is an important concern for the U.S. We hope that coordinated efforts with the Ombudsman’s office to ensure that communities are able to voice their concerns and participate in finding peaceful solutions with their government leaders can lead to long-term stability and development. We look forward to the exchange of lessons learned and the roadmap for future prevention and management of local conflicts that will result from this important initiative.” Jo Lesser-Oltheten, Mission Director, USAID/Niger
USAID supports a number of activities in the region with the goal of improving participatory governance, supporting community-based peacebuilding, conflict resolution, civil society engagement, and dialogue on security and development priorities. USAID is delighted to provide support for the organization of this regional seminar through its implementing partners, including Counterpart International, Financial Services Volunteer Corps, Search for Common Ground, and Mercy Corps. This event is an opportunity to engage all actors in the search for long-term solutions to the crisis in the Liptako Gourma.
###
USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes strengthening local systems and capacity, fostering partner nations’ commitment to local development and sustainable economic growth.
