Study of Drama as a Tool for Conflict De-escalation in Displaced Persons Camps in Borno State

Internally displaced persons in Borno State experience profound psychological and social dislocation, and drama offers structured creative outlets that can facilitate emotional processing and reduce intra-community conflict in displacement settings. This study examined the use of drama as a conflict de-escalation tool in IDP camps in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State, North East Nigeria. A qualitative descriptive design employed interviews with 15 drama facilitators working in three IDP camps, 30 camp residents who had participated in drama programmes, and 8 camp administrators. Three drama sessions were observed. Results showed that drama sessions created neutral spaces where IDPs from different communities of origin could interact constructively. Participants reported reduced anxiety and improved interpersonal communication after sustained drama engagement. Camp administrators confirmed fewer formally reported intra-community disputes in sections where drama programmes were active. Challenges included trauma-triggered distress during performance activities and limited qualified facilitation. One facilitating organisation had discontinued programmes due to funding withdrawal. The study concludes that drama is a viable and needed conflict de-escalation mechanism in Borno State IDP camps. Recommendations include sustained multi-year funding for drama in IDP settings, integration of drama programming into UNHCR and NEMA camp management frameworks, trauma-informed facilitation training, and evaluation of psychosocial outcomes at three and six months post-programme.

Keywords: drama, conflict de-escalation, IDP camps, Borno State, psychosocial support