Funded by the American Department of State, the Sadaqa project was implemented in Mauritania by Chemonics International which was the lead and CPHDA. The Project worked closely with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Worship (MOIA) of Mauritania to promote peace and tolerance and effectively combat violent extremism. In partnership with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Religious Affairs (MOIA), the project developed a strategy and innovative approaches aimed at popularizing the ministry’s previous successful efforts to combat violent extremism and support communities. including young people who are at greatest risk of being recruited by violent extremist groups. CPHDA worked with Chemonics International to strengthen the capacities of the Ministry, Ulemas, young people and women in terms of hosting public forums, conflict mediation, youth engagement, identification of risk factors of violent extremism. Through this activity, MOIA expanded its geographic reach and improved its ability to work effectively with local religious and community leaders to promote peace and tolerance, overcoming competing messages in favor of violence and extremism.

The main objectives of the SADAQA Project

– Strengthen the institutional capacity of ministries of the interior and administration to develop their own messages in favor of peace and tolerance, to facilitate public forums, to mediate conflicts, to carry out media and communication actions , and to identify people at risk.

– Support the creation of authentic, locally-resonant messages that support traditions of peace and tolerance, countering messages about violent extremism.

– support religious and community leaders to speak out against and prevent recruitment and messages of violent extremism in their communities, as they are contrary to their traditions;

– share best practices in the fight against violent extremism with G5 Sahel member countries;

– Create closer links between the Ministry of the Interior and other Mauritanian ministries fighting violent extremism.