Blog

An Executive Summary by John Dada There was a sudden outbreak of politically motivated ethnic-religious violence in Kafanchan, on Tuesday 19th April, 2011. The magnitude of the violence was unprecendented and it caught most people unawares, with resulting loss of lives, property and means of livelihoods. Fantsuam Foundation's immediate concern has been to provide as much basic shelter, food clothes and security for over 200 people who escaped and took refuge in the Fantsuam compound. Three weeks later, the magnitude of the loss suffered by our microfinance clients and the entire Kafanchan community is becoming clearer. As a caring community-based...

Although the world’s gaze appears to have moved on from the post-election violence in North Nigeria, this topic stills dominates the weekly UK-Nigeria online meeting. John Dada and his team at Fantsuam continue to deal with the aftermath of the turmoil. They reported that: The student numbers are still down and that classes are being combined Two instructors have had their houses and their belongings burnt Students (particularly those who are Muslim) are scared to attend classes John , one of the trainers commented that : “ I think it's a case of no victor we are all losers because...

We were pleased to catch up online with some familiar ‘faces’ at the UK-Nigeria team meeting this week. However it was clear from our discussion that although the post-electoral violence in Kaduna State has subsided - helped by the continued presence of soldiers - things were still not back to normal. It became evident that in the wake of the destruction there is much rebuilding to be done, both physically and emotionally. On the physical side, many buildings and homes were destroyed. In previous blogs you can read about the destruction of the vibrant Kafanchan market and the emergence of...

Ever since since news of the outbreak of violence in Kafanchan reached the UK, the weekly UK-Nigeria team meetings have been a source of apprehension rather than the customary excitement. Will someone there be able to join us online? What news will there be? Has anyone else been hurt or left homeless amid the unrest? All these thoughts occupy our minds as we prepare for the regular sessions - so we were naturally delighted that three members of the Nigeria team were able to join us last week. It also came as a great relief to hear Comfort reassure us...

BLOODY post-election violence in rural Kafanchan, Nigeria, has sadly resulted in hundreds of casualties and the senseless destruction of the area’s vital market. With lives on the line and a humanitarian crisis gripping the region, a new initiative is being launched to salvage hope and lasting peace from this catastrophe. This long-term vision, a joint enterprise involving John Dada of Nigeria’s Fantsuam Foundation and Pamela McLean of Dadamac UK, revolves around rebuilding the shattered market under the new title of the Kafanchan Peace Market. It is hoped this will quickly revitalise the fragile local economy, restore reliable food supplies, create...