News

In the Mandoul region of southern Chad, intercommunal conflicts have long posed a major challenge to social cohesion and local stability. Recurring disputes, particularly those stemming from land conflicts or disagreements between herders and farmers related to livestock destruction of fields, severely disrupt community life, undermine livelihoods, and fuel persistent tensions.

In this context, the project to support social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in southern Chad (LAPIA), funded by the European Union and implemented by Coginta, is setting up local mechanisms capable of preventing conflicts, promoting dialogue and proposing peaceful and sustainable community solutions, including the Joint and Inclusive Committee for Dialogue, Prevention and Transformation of Conflicts in the canton of Békourou, in the department of Barh-Sara.

Thanks to capacity building for its members, a participatory approach, and mediation based on listening and consensus, the Committee has played an active and decisive role in the prevention and peaceful resolution of several conflicts. Since the project began, 49 disputes have been successfully resolved, including 11 land conflicts and 38 cases of livestock destruction of fields. These results illustrate not only the effectiveness of the community mechanisms strengthened by the LAPIA project, but also their capacity to propose pragmatic and equitable solutions, accepted by all parties, and geared towards social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

The impact of this work is evident in the increasing number of requests made to the Committee for the amicable settlement of disputes, reflecting a growing confidence in local mediation mechanisms. This momentum has led to a significant reduction in the use of abusive practices, including certain arbitrary fines. Furthermore, the Committee now enjoys greater legitimacy within local communities, strengthening its acceptance and effectiveness in conflict prevention and management.