By Adnan Adams
A renowned peacebuilding and conflict resolution expert, Idris Mohammed, has called for a critical need for dialogue and mediation in resolving conflicts in Nigeria’s multi-cultural and ethno-religious regions.
He gave the advise while speaking as a panelist at a high-profile panel discussion hosted by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in partnership with Mercy Corps in Washington D.C. in United States.
The discussion, which centered on Mercy Corps’ Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) findings from their Community Initiatives to Promote Peace (CIPP) program, highlighted the role of localized peace strategies in mitigating violence. Drawing from his extensive experience in Northern Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed argued that conventional security responses alone are insufficient in addressing the deeply rooted grievances fueling conflicts. Instead, he advocated for a sustained, dialogue-driven approach that incorporates cultural and religious sensitivities.
Dialogue as a Path to Sustainable Peace
“In a complex setting like Nigeria’s North-Central region, where ethno-religious differences intersect with resource-based disputes, dialogue and mediation remain the most effective tools for peacebuilding,” Mr. Mohammed stated during the panel. “We cannot simply rely on military interventions. Sustainable peace comes from fostering trust among conflicting parties and ensuring their grievances are heard and addressed.”
He cited his previous engagements in peace dialogues between farmers and herders in Nigeria’s volatile regions. Over the years, he has facilitated numerous high-level mediations, bringing together communities often pitted against one another due to resource scarcity and land disputes.
“In my work with USIP’s Network of Nigerian Facilitators, we saw firsthand how structured dialogue sessions between farmers and herders in Kaduna and Plateau states helped de-escalate hostilities. When communities recognize that their interests are intertwined, they become more willing to compromise,” he explained.
Engaging Armed Groups: A Case for Negotiation
Beyond community mediation, Mr.Mohammed has played a crucial role in engaging non-state armed groups, including bandits in Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto states. His leadership in peace talks with these groups has been instrumental in brokering temporary ceasefires, facilitating humanitarian access, and encouraging local reconciliation efforts.
He recounted a pivotal moment in Zamfara, where he led a dialogue session between community leaders and bandit commanders. “The turning point was when the bandit leaders acknowledged their fears and distrust of the government. By creating an open space for conversation, we were able to agree on a temporary cessation of attacks, which later paved the way for community-led reconciliation efforts,” he noted.
However, he also cautioned that such negotiations require careful structuring to ensure they do not inadvertently legitimize criminality. “Dialogue is not about conceding to criminal demands but about understanding the root causes of violence and identifying pathways to de-escalation,” he clarified.
Kabara Local Justice: A Model for Reintegration
Another highlight of his contributions was his involvement in transitional justice initiatives in Northeast Nigeria. As a transitional justice expert, Mr. Mohammed played a key role in institutionalizing the Kabara Local Justice system, a community-based mechanism designed to reintegrate ex-Boko Haram combatants while ensuring justice for victims.
“The success of Kabara was its ability to strike a balance between justice and reconciliation. We worked closely with communities to ensure that ex-combatants who showed genuine remorse were reintegrated, while victims received support for their losses,” he explained. The initiative, he added, has been instrumental in reducing recidivism and fostering long-term stability in communities affected by insurgency.
USIP’s Recognition of His Work
USIP’s invitation to Idris Mohammed as a panelist underscores his reputation as a leading figure in peacebuilding research and implementation. His deep understanding of local dynamics, combined with his ability to engage both state and non-state actors, has made him a sought-after expert in conflict resolution efforts across Nigeria and beyond.
“As someone who has worked in research, policy implementation, and direct engagement with communities, I understand that peace is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” he said during the discussion. “Each conflict has its unique context, and our responses must be tailored accordingly.”
His work aligns closely with USIP and Mercy Corps’ broader objectives of promoting locally driven peace initiatives that complement governmental efforts. The findings from Mercy Corps’ CIPP program, which demonstrate the effectiveness of localized interventions, reinforce the need for continued investment in grassroots peacebuilding strategies.
Moving Forward: A Call for Policy Support
While acknowledging the successes of dialogue-based interventions, Mr. Mohammed also highlighted the challenges that remain. Political will, he argued, is crucial in scaling up these initiatives. “We need stronger government buy-in to institutionalize community-led mediation processes. Without policy support, these efforts risk remaining short-lived,” he warned.
He further emphasized the importance of integrating peace education into local governance structures and enhancing the capacity of traditional leaders to mediate disputes. “Traditional and religious leaders play a crucial role in shaping narratives. If they are equipped with the right skills, they can serve as powerful agents of peace,” he added.
As the panel discussion concluded, Idris Mohammed reiterated his commitment to fostering peace through dialogue, mediation, and community-led justice mechanisms. His insights, drawn from years of hands-on experience, resonated with policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in attendance.
“In the end, sustainable peace is not achieved through force alone. It requires a deliberate effort to bridge divides, address historical grievances, and build trust among communities. Dialogue and mediation are not just alternatives; they are necessities,” he concluded.
His participation in the USIP-Mercy Corps discussion reaffirmed his standing as a leading voice in peacebuilding, whose expertise continues to shape conflict resolution strategies across Nigeria and beyond.
