Nifemi Babasanmi
Experts has called for Immediate creation of Early Warning Response Situation Rooms across the states in the South South region to facilitate integrated reporting systems and coordinated response to threat signals.
They stated this in a communique at the end of a community security architecture dialogue on early warning and early response organised by CISLAC-TI Nigeria with support from Open Society Foundation Africa.
The group highlighted that proactive community mobilization and integration into Early Warning and Early Response systems will facilitate reporting of threat signals and timely response.
“ We need formidable group building in the Early Warning process to engender a strong voice in reporting threat signals and elicit timely response.
Mainstreaming Community Security Architecture as part of the fundamental mandates and responsibilities of the Local Government authority will ensure proper supervision and coordination”.
In a communique signed by Auwal Rafsanjani , the Executive Director of CISLAC-TI Nigeria, Kie Obomanu of Centre For Disability Partnership and Development(CEDIPAD), and Erabanabari Theophilus of Relief International Africa said it is important to institutionalize community think thank groups with specific mandates on conflict resolution.
“Dispute management, arbitration and reconciliation will prevent signals transition into a major conflict.
Institutionalize a monthly security meeting between the communities (under the Local Government) and response institutions to proactively identify, report and respond to threat signals”, the group added,
Other observations by the participants include, Creation of community spies with proper integration under the recommended EWER Situation Room, to facilitate intelligence gathering for coordinated response.
“Regulating the activities of community vigilante groups through proper supervision for integration into threat signals reporting systems and structures to prevent reported cases of human rights abuse and illegal arms possessions by the groups.”
