Washington, DC—On March 13, 2018, WFPG hosted a conversation on  Nigeria's Displaced: The Risks of Returning Home with Alexandra Lamarche, Refugees International Sub-Saharan Africa and Peacekeeping Advocate, who recently returned from a fact-finding mission in Nigeria. The discussion was moderated by WFPG Member and Senior Advisor for External Relations at the Washington, DC Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Jana Mason and held at WeWork Dupont Circle.

Nigeria's conflict with Boko Haram has created one of the largest humanitarian crises in Africa. As the war enters its ninth year, the Nigerian army continues to make considerable gains in the northeast but claims of victory are premature. Nigerian authorities have recently announced plans to stabilize and rebuild the larger towns to initiate the return of some of the 1.6 million displaced. However, it is clear that conditions in much of the northeastern Borno State are far from conducive to safe and dignified returns. In her remarks, Lamarche shared her findings, emphasizing the need for returns to be voluntary, informed, and sustainable. She also covered the impact of upcoming elections, the role played by the international community, the challenge of donor fatigue, and continued insecurity in the region. View Refugees International's report: Political Pressure to Return: Putting Northeast Nigeria's Diplaced Citizens at Risk.