Refugee Leader Nina Mireille Yankinon: Transforming Communities in the Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) has been plagued by recurring cycles of conflict since 2013, marked by the Seleka rebels’ rise to power and the subsequent emergence of Christian anti-Balaka militias. In Batangafo, a once diverse town in the northwest, fear, insecurity, and displacement have become daily realities. Amidst this turmoil, Nina found her purpose, helping others rebuild their lives and restore a sense of hope.
From Displacement to Determination
Speaking to UN News, Nina stated, “The violence in 2013 had a profound and lasting impact on both my personal and professional life. Like many in my hometown of Batangafo and across the conflict-ridden country, my family and I were direct victims of armed conflict. We were forced to abandon our home, possessions, and stable life, seeking refuge in neighboring Cameroon. These traumatic events strengthened my resolve to focus on peacebuilding and protecting the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.”
Since returning to the country, Nina has founded a non-profit organization called Londo E Lekere (ILEL), which translates to ‘Let’s Stand Up and Build.’ Supported by the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), ILEL spearheads initiatives focused on peacebuilding and empowering women leaders.
Building Bridges in a Divided Society
In a society fractured by religious and ethnic mistrust, fostering dialogue across generations and faiths remains a significant challenge. “The ethnic and religious tensions, particularly between Muslims and Christians, have escalated since 2013, creating deep mistrust and hindering genuine interfaith dialogue,” Nina explained. “Furthermore, generational and gender inequalities, which often lead to the marginalization of youth and women in community decision-making processes, exacerbate the situation.”
To address these divisions, ILEL creates inclusive dialogue forums, including radio programs and awareness campaigns in schools. The organization also organizes conferences and discussions to promote women as leaders in peace efforts.
Youth and Gender: Turning Barriers into Strengths
Working in a leadership role within what she describes as a “patriarchal” context, Nina, as a young woman, has encountered resistance. “Elders and traditional leaders may question the authority of a young woman like myself to lead initiatives. This initially manifests as resistance during inter-community awareness campaigns.”
Rather than viewing her youth as a limitation, Nina leverages it as an asset. “My youth allows me to connect with vulnerable adolescents and young adults, who are often excluded from dialogue, and to showcase a dynamic female leadership that inspires resilience post-2013.”
Additionally, she has faced challenges directly related to her gender. “Gender-based violence (GBV) has seen a dramatic increase since 2013, with a notable surge in rates particularly between 2021 and 2022. This rise makes women like myself primary targets and contributes to our stigmatization.”
Education: A Pathway to Peace
For Nina, education is not merely a professional focus but a personal mission. “Education empowers citizens, facilitates dialogue that transcends ethnic, religious, and gender differences, and ensures they understand their rights,” she emphasized. Through ILEL, she has launched projects distributing learning materials and training teachers. The focus is on involving parents, teachers, and local leaders to ensure each program genuinely reflects community priorities.
A Vision of Resilience
From establishing health centers to supporting local farmers and documenting victims’ stories through a community blog, Nina’s work continues to inspire in CAR and beyond. “Peace, equality, and resilience,” she stated, are the values that continue to inspire and sustain her commitment to this cause. She recognizes that peace is nurtured not in conference rooms, but in classrooms, markets, and villages, by “those who refuse to give up hope.”
