Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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Our Embassy in Abuja follows developments in Nigeria closely, including in relation to inter-ethnic tensions in parts of the country. These include tensions in southern Kaduna, between members of the Fulani people, a predominantly nomadic group dispersed across the Sahel region and West Africa, and other communities. They have given rise to clashes over land access and use, including acts of violence allegedly perpetrated by some members of the Fulani, as well as other groups. I condemn all such acts, which have caused hundreds of deaths and the destruction of property. It is vital that all those responsible be brought to justice.

We strongly support efforts to find solutions to the underlying issues which give rise to such conflicts. In this case, I particularly welcome the signing, in March last year, of the Kafanchan Peace Declaration, which commits a range of stakeholders and community leaders to the principles of dialogue and non-violence in finding lasting solutions to the problems of inter-communal conflict. The negotiation of this Declaration was facilitated by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Ireland has supported the international work of this organisation for a number of years, including through the provision of €100,000 in 2016 for its work in Nigeria. Our Embassy staff in Abuja attended the signing of the Declaration, and continue to monitor and report on the situation in the region. We will continue to encourage all parties to engage in the ongoing efforts to address the roots causes of this conflict.