Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Central African Republic (CAR) has faced repeated conflict since 2013, when Seleka rebels seized power, prompting anti-Balaka militias to form. In Batangafo, once noted for its diversity, fear and displacement have become common.
Nina Mireille Yankinon, originally from Batangafo, described how the 2013 violence deeply affected her life. Forced to flee to Cameroon with her family, she was inspired by these events to dedicate herself to peacebuilding and protecting vulnerable groups, including women and children.
After returning to CAR, Nina founded Londo E Lekere (ILEL), supported by the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC). The NGO leads initiatives focused on peacebuilding and empowering women to take on leadership roles.
Given the ethnic and religious tensions, particularly between Muslims and Christians, fostering dialogue remains difficult. Nina noted that generational and gender disparities often marginalize young people and women from community decisions. To address this, ILEL creates inclusive forums such as radio broadcasts, school awareness campaigns, conferences, and debates to promote women as peace leaders.
As a young woman working in what she described as a patriarchal context, Nina faces resistance from elders and traditional leaders, who at times question her authority to spearhead inter-community initiatives.