By Regina Atule
Damongo (S/R), June 02, GNA – The Catholic Relief Service (CRS), in partnership with the Savannah Region Peace Council has held a regional stakeholders’ dialogue to improve civilian-security relations and prevent violent extremism in the country.
The day’s event was to discuss pragmatic measures that could help improve conflict resolution and maintain peace across the Savannah Region and beyond.
It formed part of series of activities being implemented by CRS under its second phase of the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Social Accountability (PoVETSA II) project, which is funded by the Netherlands Embassy.
Ms. Adelaide Yiriyelleh, Manager, PoVETSA II project at CRS, speaking during the event in Damongo, said it was to improve civilian-security trust and promote positive relations in the country towards the prevention of violent extremism.
Participants, including security agencies amongst other stakeholders, identified several factors that caused mistrust between civilians and security agencies.
They mentioned factors such as false information, lack of commitment by security agencies, unfair resource distribution, intimidation by some security officers, and autocratic traditional leadership.
They expressed the need for continued engagement and collaboration between security agencies and the citizenry for improved relations.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/By Benjamin Mensah