Editorial: Refugees and humanitarian support in the Global South: challenges in repatriation and social cohesion

Since 2009 the North east of Nigeria has been engulfed in arms struggles by the Boko Haram insurgents. This menace has brought serious setbacks to the socio-political and economic development of the region. The three states mostly affected by recurrent and pervasive violence are Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY). The Federal and States governments concerned responded swiftly to this menace through military operations and humanitarian interventions through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). This study therefore examines Arms Conflicts, community safety, security and Reintegration challenges in areas affected by the Insurgency in Madagali local government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study used a combination survey, observation and available documents. The paper clearly established that: peace is progressively returning to some communities in the studied conflict area as evident in the gradual return of economic and social activities with the last violent attack on the community being in 2018 even though neighbouring communities are still experiencing attacks from the Boko-haram insurgents. Similarly, there are new emerging trend in the conflict dynamics particularly the emergence of new crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, abduction, drug abuse and trafficking, cattle rustling, rape and other forms of sexual and gender based violence in the community. The paper established that communities in Madagali are in urgent need of critical infrastructures such as water, electricity, doctors, health services, humanitarian support and employment opportunities. In addition the study revealed that although humanitarian support and assistance exist, such interventions are inadequate for the large population of IDPs and host community and the process of sharing is marred by irregularities, sharp practices and favouritism that tend to deepen exclusion and generate tension. That the community has shown commitment to peace building, social cohesion and reintegration by demonstrating willingness to accept and reintegrate those associated with the insurgents. In particular, those who were forced into joining the insurgents but have re-joined the community or those that had undergone the de-radicalisation process through participation in the safe corridor programme of the government. The study recommended among others: the need for the Federal government of Nigeria to expand and consolidate the operational capacity of the security architecture in the counter insurgency through, recruitment of additional personnel, weapon upgrade, and motivation and above all provide logistic support to the relevant agencies

Unlike terrorism, HIV/AIDS deaths are seldom spectacular. The reason being, that those dying are dispersed and the impact not clearly visible. Yet it is one of the greatest threats to mankind as the disease slowly erodes the social fabric of society and weakens national economies, making it difficult for states to respond to the social challenges and political instability this disease poses. This is especially the case in countries with large inequalities in income, which experience rapid urbanisation and where there is high mobility and a Breakdown in social cohesion within society. Armed forces are a crucial part of any state's security, but are often worst affected by this disease as it impacts directly on their operational effectiveness. Where armed forces face high infection rates it renders them less capable of coping with the internal disruption this disease causes as well as with the ability to provide humanitarian and peace support to those in need. With Southern Africa being the region most affected, South Africa as the regional economic and military power is becoming less capable of serving as regional peacekeeper or stabilising force as the impact of the disease becomes more visible.

The article examines the critical role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in stabilizing Ukraine's economic and social environment amidst recent crisis events, focusing on the active responses of Ukrainian businesses during three key periods: russia's initial military aggression in 2014, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the full-scale invasion in 2022. Through a comprehensive review, the author analyzes the adaptive CSR strategies of businesses, illustrating how various companies provided humanitarian, medical, logistical, and military support. The article highlights CSR’s transformative power, positing that during periods of heightened risk and instability, socially responsible initiatives by businesses not only foster economic resilience but also reinforce social cohesion and national identity. This research delves into two main facets of business response: internal measures for employee welfare and external contributions to community well-being and national defense. It also emphasizes the expansion of business participation in humanitarian relief, financial aid, and infrastructure rebuilding, with attention to strategies that evolved in response to the unique challenges posed by each crisis. During the 2014 crisis, CSR primarily involved relocation of business assets and personnel from occupied territories and provision of direct humanitarian aid. In response to the pandemic, CSR efforts shifted towards protective measures, such as remote work for employees, stringent sanitation standards, and donations to healthcare institutions to mitigate COVID-19’s impact. The 2022 invasion saw unprecedented levels of support, with businesses actively supplying resources, transportation, and direct financial aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and extending humanitarian aid to affected civilians, particularly those displaced by the conflict. The analysis suggests that the scale and nature of CSR initiatives correlate with the intensity and type of crisis, with the most extensive actions arising from the ongoing war. Furthermore, the article notes a strategic realignment in Ukrainian CSR practices, as many companies have severed ties with Russian and Belarusian markets, thus reaffirming their stance against external aggression. The findings underscore that, beyond economic stabilization, CSR engagement provides a foundation for rapid post-war recovery, serving both immediate crisis mitigation needs and long-term national restoration goals. In this regard, the author argues that maintaining and enhancing CSR activities is essential, as it strengthens the overall resilience of Ukrainian society and aids in preserving the economic and social fabric under extreme conditions.

The insurgent group known as Boko Haram have carried out targeted assassinations, shootings and bombings, which led to deaths, destructions and displacements of Millions in north-eastern Nigeria. These crippled the region’s economic, cultural and social status, which attracted various forms of humanitarian supports from philanthropists, governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). It is against this backdrop that this paper examines the adverse effects of humanitarian supports by NGOs on socioeconomic development in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative approach using FGD in generating data from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of humanitarian support in selected communities of Maiduguri. The study revealed government reluctances and over-reliance of people on the support provided by the NGOs. The standard of living has ascended because of the operations of NGOs. Supports provided by NGOs have further distorted the community’s social cohesion as it created various forms of domestic violence and conflict between displaced persons and host communities. In addition, it has increased social vice such as sexual exploitation and abuse in an effort to get provisions/employment. There are further continuous accusations that NGOs are supporting Boko Haram group with food and logistics. The study concluded that the operations of NGOs would contribute in prolonging the physical and social insecurity in crises ravaged areas if not adequately regulated/monitored. Thus, recommended that NGOs do more capacity building programmes than emergency relief supports. Governments should regulate the operations of NGOs by introducing strict policies that will force them to be transparent and accountable, and operate in line with counter-insurgency strategies.