A Voice from Nigeria

BEFORE’s approach is very promising as its focus on working with local actors to prevent political violence can be useful in many people in my region. In my home country of Nigeria, violence erupted many times just because a mechanism to stop it was missing. BEFORE is making a considerable contribution to peace, and can continue to do so in many other West African countries, as well as attracting attention to similar problems around the world.

I was asked to join the BEFORE Steering Committee in December 2007, and less than 6 months later our first Steering Committee meeting took place. I was delighted to meet my six Steering Committee colleagues from all over the world. I found our various areas of expertise, background and origin made the group dynamic. During that first meeting, we received an extensive introduction to BEFORE’s unique methodology and approach.

As the Chair of the Steering Committee I work closely with other members of the Committee to lead strategies and disseminate findings. At a typical meeting we could be tasked with selecting the next target country for BEFORE engagement. It isn’t an easy task to select a single country from a long list of countries that are at high-risk of war! However, after careful discussion and analysis of information, the Committee selects an at-risk country and sends an assessment team there to talk to local people about the drivers of the conflict. According to the BEFORE methodology, this assessment is necessary so that BEFORE can undertake a violence prevention strategy with a clear understating of the goals and the needs of local stakeholders.

Our work is path-breaking. I am honored to be a part of BEFORE. With a great hope I invite you to work with us.

Lydia Umar
Chair, West Africa Steering Committee
Executive Director, Gender Awareness Trust