About Us – DAR AL ANDALUS CENTRE

About Our Organization

Who We Are

The Dar Al-andalus Centre (DAAC) is a non-profit organization with a clear focus on fostering peace, countering violent extremism, and promoting sustainable development. It operates in the conflict-affected communities of Northern Nigeria. Headquartered in Kano, Kano State, DAAC has established itself as a trusted partner in driving community-led solutions to complex social and security challenges prevalent in the region. The organization is dedicated to finding and implementing solutions that are generated from within the communities it serves, ensuring relevance and sustainability.

What We Do

Our Story

Origins: The roots of DAAC can be traced back to the collaborative efforts between the Cordoba Peace Institute (CPI) and the Peace and Human Rights Development (PHRD). These organizations-initiated peace initiatives in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, starting in 2013. This initial collaboration and the experiences gained in these peace initiatives laid the groundwork for the establishment of DAAC.
Establishment: Building on CPI’s strategic alliances with key individuals in Nigeria, the Dar Al-andalus Centre was established as a local non-governmental organization (NGO). DAAC was officially registered in 2019. This formal registration marked a significant step in solidifying the organization’s presence and its capacity to operate independently within Nigeria.
Initial Projects: Following its registration, DAAC, in partnership with CPI, embarked on the “CAN” project. This project was made possible through funding from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The “CAN” project represents DAAC’s initial foray into implementing peacebuilding and development initiatives, and it highlights the organization’s ability to secure international funding and support for its activities.

Our Mission

The mission of DAAC is -To empower communities through a combination of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and development initiatives. These initiatives are designed to foster resilience within communities, promote social cohesion among their members, and support the development of sustainable livelihoods. DAAC is committed to actively working with communities to build their capacity to withstand shocks, to live together peacefully, and to create economic opportunities that ensure long-term stability.

Our Vision

DAAC envisions a society where peace, dignity, and mutual respect are the norm. This vision extends to enabling individuals and communities to thrive, regardless of their differences in identity or the scars they bear from conflict. The organization strives for a society where diversity is respected and where past conflicts do not hinder progress and development.

Core Activities and Projects

Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: At the heart of DAAC’s work is the facilitation of dialogue and trust-building among conflict-affected groups. This involves creating safe spaces for open communication, allowing communities to address grievances, and fostering mutual understanding. A key aspect of this is training stakeholders in conflict mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques, empowering local actors to resolve disputes peacefully. A significant ongoing initiative in this area is the Sulhu Processes component of “The Path to Peace project,” launched in June 2024. This component specifically concentrates on fostering reconciliation and reintegration in Borno State, particularly within communities that have been severely impacted by violent extremism.
Community Reintegration: DAAC provides crucial support for the reintegration of ex-combatants and other vulnerable groups into their communities. This support is holistic, including mentorship programs, advocacy efforts to reduce stigma, and psychosocial support to help individuals heal from trauma and adapt to civilian life. The Sulhu Processes component of “The Path to Peace project” directly contributes to this, working to mend societal fabrics in Borno State by facilitating the acceptance and integration of individuals affected by conflict.
Leadership Development: Recognizing the pivotal role of local leadership, DAAC is dedicated to empowering traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth, and women to take active roles in peacebuilding and community development. By enhancing their skills and knowledge, these leaders become catalysts for positive change, guiding their communities towards sustainable peace. This is evident in the Constructive Alternative Narratives (CAN) component of “The Path to Peace project,” which empowers key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and women leaders, in Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, and Yobe States.
Interfaith Collaboration and Dialogue: Promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between religious communities is a cornerstone of DAAC’s strategy to reduce tensions and foster harmony. An excellent example of this is the ongoing “Building Bridges: Prevent & Mitigate Interreligious Violence and Promote Peaceful Co-existence” training program. This initiative is specifically tailored for Muslim and Christian students from secondary and tertiary institutions in Benue, Nassarawa, and Plateau States. It aims to:
- Explore the core principles of interfaith dialogue, emphasizing effective communication and deep listening.
- Foster an understanding of the foundational beliefs, values, and practices of both Islam and Christianity, while addressing common misconceptions.
- Encourage connections among peers from diverse religious backgrounds, building relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
- Empower young people to act as agents of positive change, promoting interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence within their own communities.
Capacity Building and Training: DAAC regularly conducts workshops and training sessions focused on ethical leadership, countering extremist narratives, and fostering constructive community engagement. These programs equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to promote peace and stability. The Constructive Alternative Narratives (CAN) component of “The Path to Peace project” is a direct continuation of this, specifically empowering journalists and other stakeholders to develop and disseminate messages that counter violent extremism and promote peace.

Our Impact

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women empowered in IDP camps

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traditional and religious leaders trained

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radio drama episodes produced

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