On July 1, 2026, Swiss Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider visited the interfaith Gurku refugee camp in northern Nigeria. The peace project—supported by Mission 21, in which people of Christian and Muslim faiths live together—made a lasting impression on the Federal Councilor and the Swiss ambassador.
Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider was received by Yakubu Joseph, coordinator of Mission 21 in Nigeria. The head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs was accompanied by Patrick Egloff, the Swiss ambassador to Nigeria.
During the visit, the guests learned about the situation of the displaced persons and about peacebuilding efforts in the camp. The Federal Councilor and the Swiss ambassador were impressed by the commitment of the local people and by the special role that the Gurku camp for displaced persons plays in fostering peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims. Both expressed their willingness to resume the partnership with the camp. Patrick Egloff also inquired about the work of Mission 21 and emphasized that he looked forward to further dialogue with the organization.
A Sign of Hope
The Gurku refugee camp is much more than just a temporary shelter. It is a place where people of different religions consciously live together and shape their future—despite their traumatic experiences. The terror unleashed by the Islamist militia Boko Haram has claimed the lives of thousands of people in northern Nigeria and forced several million to flee.
Together with local partner organizations, Mission 21 supports the Gurku Peace Village. Here, the residents counter hatred with a different example: They live side by side, support one another, and work together to promote peace and reconciliation. Trauma counseling, interfaith dialogue, educational programs, and community projects help people overcome the consequences of violence and displacement and build new trust.
The camp also includes a health clinic, which was built in 2015 with support from Switzerland. To this day, it continues to improve access to medical care for the region’s population and helps enhance the quality of life for people affected by poverty, displacement, and social exclusion.
Making Peacebuilding Visible
The visit to Gurku was part of Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider’s trip to Nigeria from June 28 to July 1, 2026. The trip focused on the return of 18 Benin bronzes and five other cultural artifacts to Nigeria, as well as the signing of a bilateral agreement to combat the illicit trade in cultural property.
With her visit to Gurku, the Federal Councilor also highlighted the importance of projects that strengthen social cohesion and open up new prospects for people in the wake of war and displacement. The fact that she visited a project supported by Mission 21 and learned firsthand about its impact is an important recognition of Mission 21’s long-standing work in peacebuilding.
Support Peacebuilding in Nigeria Now
Gurku shows that reconciliation is possible—even in places where terror and violence have left deep wounds. Long-term support is needed so that people can continue to find safety, overcome trauma, and build bridges between religious communities.
More information about the project: Interfaith Peacebuilding in Nigeria.
We also draw on our many years of experience in peacebuilding in other Mission 21 projects. Further examples can be found here.
