Abdullahi Umar Eggi grew up in a nomadic family in Taraba State, Nigeria, and has undertaken extensive research to understand how and why pastoralism is changing in the region. He’s currently carrying out research on cross-border pastoralism, environmental change, peace and conflict along the borders of Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger as part of our XCEPT project, Promoting Peaceful Pastoralism. Here, he tells us about his upbringing, and what he’s learning from his latest research.

It can seem impossible for those caught up in violent conflict and its consequences to find space to imagine what peace might look like – let alone start taking the difficult steps to get there. In a ‘hot’ conflict or crisis situation conflict parties may be too focused on dealing with an immediate crisis and struggling to survive. In protracted wars or ‘stuck’ peace processes that from the outside may appear frozen for many years, long-held grievances and entrenched positions make it difficult to consider alternative futures and block potential pathways to dialogue or reconciliation.

In the Philippines, a changing climate is leading to increased flooding, landslides and tropical cyclones - forcing entire communities from their homes. In regions like the Bangsamoro, which is emerging from four decades of conflict, responses to the impact of climate change must be sensitive and inclusive.

“I’m a peacebuilder, a mediator, a healer and a reconciliator. I wear many hats.” Another one of those hats is as a long-time partner of Conciliation Resources. Ezabir Ali has led peacebuilding programmes along the Line of Control in Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir focusing specifically on the rights of women affected by the conflict. Her work with women has sought to build peace across sectarian divides, deal with the trauma of protracted conflict and advocate for women’s rights in the complex legal systems which are often stacked against them. Recently she has been supporting women to deal with conflict through art and creative writing.

Following on from our first ever Steps to Peace challenge event in 2020, this September Conciliation Resources' supporters, partners and staff once again took steps to raise vital funds for peacebuilders around the world. 

In September, more than 150 people from 12 communities came together to discuss the future of peace in the area around Bossangoa, in the Central African Republic. The town of 15,000 people is widely regarded as the epicentre of conflict in the country - being the birthplace of former President François Bozizé.

This month, a team of peace and environmental activists completed a two-day mountain hike in Jammu and Kashmir along the Line of Control, which divides territories administered by India and Pakistan. This dividing line is contested by India, Pakistan and Kashmiris on both sides, and communities in this area often experience heavy artillery and shelling by the militaries of the two countries.