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Policy Brief: Unpacking and Operationalizing the Humanitarian- Development- Peace Nexus in North East Nigeria

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Unpacking and Operationalizing the Humanitarian- Development- Peace Nexus in North East Nigeria

There is a growing body of literature wherein the notion of ‘nexus’ is used to highlight and underpin the complexities and nuances attendant to emergency situations; whether they be man-made or the consequence of natural disasters. A ‘nexus’ simply refers to a connection or series of connections linking two or more things; a central or focal point. In the context of crisis situations, the nexus is seen as the tool for reinforcing the links between at least two sectors increasing the complementarity of their actions in order to address the root causes of the crises and reduce needs (ALNAP, 2018).[1] With reference to the present Policy Brief and, specifically, the humanitarian and development crisis currently ravaging the North East region of Nigeria as a result of the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency however, we define here the ‘nexus’ as “the continuum of inter-connections and inter-relationships between humanitarian and development, as well as the security crises characterized by, on the one hand fairly nuanced conceptual, analytical and operational challenges; and on the other hand, emerging opportunities for durable positive change and sustainable development”.