Cramped conditions in the camps and fears over the spread of the virus suddenly made returning home the more compelling option in these times. IDPs are seeking out our local mediators to negotiate with armed groups for safe passage and with NGO for support with rebuilding their villages destroyed by incessant waves of violence. 

Conflict didn't slow down with the coronavirus but continued with renewed intensity, adding one more stressor to the daily lives of local residents.

In the beginning, our local teams struggled to remain connected after International NGOs folded inward as news of a pandemic began to spread around the world. Community leaders found themselves locked out of the common spaces previously offered by INGOs to help them access free internet.

Resources were shifted to our frontline mediators to resolve communication, language access and technology issues. 

The worries of our team for their US colleagues also grew as the deaths-counters of international news outlets made it to their television screens. They held us in prayers and provided encouragement and support.

CIT-Bria offered soap and put in place hand-washing stations for dialogue participants. Our mediators required masks when convening stakeholders and steadily continue the hard work of seeding peace.