Refugee turned peacemaker: The young woman leader transforming communities in the Central African Republic

Refugee Peacemaker: Young Woman Leader in CAR Fosters Peace and Unity

Refugee turned peacemaker – Nina Mireille Yankinon, a refugee turned peacemaker, is reshaping the social fabric of the Central African Republic (CAR) through her unwavering commitment to community reconciliation. Her journey began as a displaced person during the 2013 conflict, which ignited a cycle of violence between Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian anti-Balaka militias. Yet, instead of retreating, Nina chose to lead, transforming her personal experience into a mission to heal divisions and empower marginalized voices.

Origins of the Conflict and Its Lasting Impact

Since 2013, the Central African Republic has endured persistent unrest, with the Seleka rebels’ initial takeover triggering widespread fear and violence among the Christian population. Anti-Balaka militias emerged in response, exacerbating religious and ethnic tensions that have defined the nation’s political landscape. The conflict has left deep scars, with Batangafo—a town in the northwest—serving as a microcosm of the broader societal fragmentation. Once a vibrant hub, it now grapples with displacement, mistrust, and the erosion of communal bonds.

From Survivor to Advocate: Nina’s Transformative Path

Nina’s family, like many others, was uprooted during the violence, seeking refuge in neighboring Cameroon. The trauma of losing home and community became her driving force. “The 2013 violence left an indelible mark on my life, reshaping both my personal journey and professional path,” she shared with UN News. Her experience as a refugee deepened her empathy for those affected by conflict, inspiring her to build bridges rather than walls.

Returning to CAR, Nina established Londo E Lekere (ILEL), an NGO backed by the UN Alliance of Civilizations. The organization focuses on peacebuilding, education, and gender empowerment, using innovative methods to address the root causes of division. Through school programs, radio broadcasts, and public forums, ILEL fosters dialogue and understanding among diverse groups, creating spaces for collaboration in a deeply polarized society.

Challenges in a Divided Society

ILEL’s work is set against a backdrop of entrenched tensions. The conflict has widened generational and gender gaps, with women and youth often excluded from decision-making processes. “Young people and women are frequently sidelined, making it harder to achieve inclusive solutions,” Nina explained. This systemic exclusion has fueled mistrust and hindered collective progress, particularly in regions like Batangafo where violence has disrupted daily life.

Gender-based violence has surged since 2013, with reports indicating a significant rise between 2021 and 2022. Women, already vulnerable in a patriarchal society, face heightened risks during conflicts. Nina’s initiatives aim to counter this by empowering women through education and leadership programs, ensuring their voices are central to the peacebuilding process.

ILEL’s Impact and Community Initiatives

ILEL’s initiatives extend beyond conflict resolution, addressing economic and social needs through sustainable development projects. By supporting local agriculture, building health centers, and launching educational programs, the NGO fosters resilience and self-sufficiency. Nina also created a shared blog to document community stories, preserving narratives that might otherwise be lost in the chaos of war.

“Peace, equality, and resilience are the cornerstones of my work,” Nina emphasized. “True harmony isn’t forged in meetings—it’s nurtured in everyday spaces like schools, markets, and villages, by those who refuse to surrender hope.” Her approach underscores the importance of grassroots efforts in achieving lasting change, proving that even in the most fractured societies, hope can be cultivated through collective action.