The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Taraba State has called for constructive engagement among stakeholders following recent developments involving the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and a self-acclaimed civil society activist.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Bello A. Bako, the coalition said criticism, accountability and protection of citizens’ rights remained important but urged stakeholders to adopt approaches that would prioritise the welfare of vulnerable communities across the state.
Key Highlights
- Taraba CSOs call for constructive engagement over SEMA humanitarian operations.
- The coalition urges stakeholders to use dialogue and institutional channels to resolve disagreements.
- CSOs say vulnerable communities should remain at the centre of humanitarian interventions.
- The group acknowledges the reported efforts of the current SEMA management.
- The coalition calls for stronger collaboration between SEMA, CSOs and development partners.
- It urges greater transparency, accountability and coordination in humanitarian assistance.
Taraba CSOs Seek Constructive Engagement
According to the coalition, Taraba State continues to face significant humanitarian and developmental challenges, particularly in communities affected by displacement, insecurity, poverty and other emergencies.
The group said government agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders, activists and development partners have a shared responsibility to develop practical solutions capable of improving the living conditions of affected residents.
It therefore appealed to the activist involved in the matter to reconsider the current approach and explore dialogue, evidence-based engagement and institutional mechanisms to address issues in contention.
Coalition Calls for Dialogue Over SEMA Dispute
The CSOs said constructive engagement would provide opportunities for genuine concerns to be raised and addressed without losing sight of the needs of vulnerable communities.
It stressed that criticism and accountability remain important components of effective governance but argued that disagreements should be handled through channels capable of producing practical solutions.
The coalition said dialogue could also help stakeholders identify areas requiring improvement while strengthening cooperation among institutions involved in humanitarian response.
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CSOs Acknowledge SEMA’s Humanitarian Efforts
The coalition also acknowledged what it described as the efforts of the current management of SEMA in responding to humanitarian challenges and promoting Taraba State in its engagements with development partners, donors and other stakeholders. More details on SEMA’s recent interventions can be found in this report on Taraba SEMA’s humanitarian drive.
It said maintaining confidence in humanitarian institutions was important to attracting additional interventions and resources for communities affected by emergencies.
The group, however, emphasised the need for continued transparency and accountability in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Stronger Collaboration Needed
The coalition called for stronger collaboration among SEMA, CSOs, development partners, community representatives and other stakeholders.
According to the group, closer cooperation could improve humanitarian response, coordination and accountability while ensuring that assistance reaches communities in need.
“At a time when many communities across Taraba State require urgent support, our collective priority must be to strengthen the systems that attract and effectively utilise resources for vulnerable populations.”
CSOs Focus on Displaced Communities
The coalition further urged stakeholders to direct greater attention towards reducing displacement and improving the living conditions of internally displaced persons and other communities affected by emergencies.
It said humanitarian interventions should remain focused on the immediate needs of vulnerable residents while also supporting longer-term recovery and development.
The CSOs reaffirmed their commitment to constructive engagement, transparency and accountability.
The coalition urged all parties to set aside their differences, embrace dialogue and work towards solutions that would promote peace, development and the humanitarian wellbeing of Taraba State. For more updates on this and other stories, follow us on X.
