Radios for the Consolidation of Peace - Niger

Niger is both poor and frequently subject to political turmoil. During the Tuareg and Toubou rebellions in the 1990s thousands of illicit small arms flowed into the country.

In 2002, in a ground breaking initiative, 12,500 Lifeline Energy radios were given free in exchange for illegally held weapons. Radios for the Consolidation of Peace, a partnership between the Lifeline Energy and the government of Niger, aimed to disarm militants and encourage sustained peace and development.

The radios acted not only as a powerful inducement, but also helped strengthen the country's growing network of radio stations by providing thousands more listeners. This network is a powerful medium for reaching remote rural villages, with messages aimed at encouraging people to turn in illicit guns and to promote peace.

The exchanged guns were burned in a ‘Flame of Peace’ ceremony and the charred weapons of Russian, US, French, Italian, German and Egyptian origin were sawed into pieces by the military never to be used again. The traditional chief of northern Niger, the Sultan of Air, enthusiastically endorsed the project.

Press Clipping

World Association for Christian Communication

      Radios For Guns, February 2002

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Award

The Partnership for Sustainable Cities Award, 2002

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Project Archive

Niger - The Sultanas of Air Speak to Kristine Pearson, 2002

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