NORTHERN CAMEROON INITIATIVE (NCI) / PROGRAMME D’APPUI A L’INITIATIVE COMMUNAUTAIRE (PAIC)

in the Far North region of Cameroon. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI), the program shifted focus in February 2018 from deterring violent extremist recruitment to helping targeted communities withstand violent extremist threats. The program aims to stabilize communities affected by the Boko Haram/ISWA crisis and support Cameroonian-led initiatives for the reintegration of ex-Boko Haram/ISWA affiliates. NCI accomplishes this through four sub-objectives: helping returning internally displaced persons (IDPs) resume life in their communities of origin, increasing youth engagement, preparing communities for reintegration, and promoting exchanges of experiences and planning for community reintegration among local and regional leaders and authorities. The program expanded its operations to Mayo-Sava, Mayo Moskota, and Mokolo, and opened a satellite office in Logone et Chari in 2019 to intensify efforts on the ISWA crisis in the Lake Chad Basin. During the reporting period from April to October 2019, NCI implemented a range of stabilization activities to improve community interactions. These activities included building public benches in Mokolo, rehabilitating market spaces in Kerawa, Mayo Moskota, and Ngeutchewe, and installing grinding mills and granaries in strategic places in Mayo Moskota. The program also supported dialogue processes, using participatory theatre to encourage communities to discuss peace and reconciliation. In Mayo Sava, NCI trained 90 youths in photography, who staged an exhibition about the insurgency, and in Mayo Tsanaga, the program trained youth reporters to write positive stories for local radio. NCI activities have increased the visibility of youth as positive change-agents in their communities. In Tourou, the program provided youths with materials to rehabilitate the village cultural center, and in Amchide, supported community cleaning and the rehabilitation of the village maternity ward. After receiving training from NCI, some youths continue serving as peace ambassadors. The program also continues to implement activities in coordination with other Lake Chad Basin programs, finalizing and distributing a lexicon of DDR terms and concepts for the region. The program cleared 40 activities since April 1st, 2019, with an estimated value of $1,737,480.26. Staffing changes during the reporting period included the departure of five staff members, the promotion of one staff member, and the hiring of ten new staff members.