Live Countering Violent Extremism debates prove effective in Chad.
Since the Chadian military announced their intention to support a regional front against Boko Haram, attacks along the border and within the capital city of N’Djamena have become increasingly frequent. While the threat of violence is a constant concern for many citizens, it is not on their tongues. The issue is rarely discussed in public, and is instead relegated to fearful conversations behind closed doors.
Peace through Development II’s (PDev II) Live Public Broadcast Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Debates sought to give voice to citizens’ fears and outrage, unifying Chadians against violent extremism by bringing the topic of extremist violence to the forefront of public dialogue. Hosted and broadcast live by seven radio partners throughout Niger, the live debates featured guests who represented traditional, religious, civil society and political leadership. Each program included a live interactive debate in one of the Chadian languages between leaders and experts in CVE; an open floor discussion inviting contributions and opinions from the listening public; and a message delivered by a moderate religious leader. Over 1,400 men, women and youth attended the debates, and hundreds of other citizens listened to the live radio broadcast from their homes and workplaces. Throughout the broadcasts, 226 citizens (including 44 women) called into the program and five attendees were awarded mp3 players in recognition of their contributions.
An official in Oum Hadier awards an mp3 player to one of five winning participants in the live public debates.
Discussions ranged from the recent kidnappings, murders and attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram, to finding local solutions to insure that extremism does not find a foothold in Chad. One Mayor called on women in particular to watch over their children who may be frustrated or have violent tendencies, to keep them from being radicalized. All of the leaders who participated condemned Boko Haram calling their actions heinous crimes against religion, human rights and decency. One Secretary General stated, “I assure you that no religion permits violence, certainly not Islam, which is a religion of peace, tolerance and forgiveness. So let us all be vigilant while we face this threat by people with evil intentions and extreme ideologies.” The impact of the debates was best captured in a comment from a listener in Nokou, who said, “people have been afraid to even say the name ‘Boko Haram’ because we feel like it’s bad luck and they’ll come kill you. But this debate, where everyone is talking about Boko Haram in the open, has destroyed that superstition and fear that we have for Boko Haram.”
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