A continental forum supporting the African Union's 'Silencing the Guns' initiative convened last week in Ghana. The event gathered stakeholders to advance efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability across Africa. Participants discussed strategies and reinforced commitments to address the root causes of conflict on the continent, aligning with the initiative's goal of ending all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence, and violent conflicts by 2030. The forum provided a platform for dialogue and the coordination of regional approaches to conflict resolution and prevention.
Root Causes and Full Approach
The forum emphasized that the 'Silencing the Guns' initiative requires a full approach, extending beyond narrow security dimensions to address the political, social, and economic roots of conflicts by involving various segments of society. Weak coordination between continental mechanisms and local actors presents a major challenge, potentially limiting the effectiveness of peace and security efforts across the continent. Addressing these challenges, Algeria's national reconciliation experience was characterized as a deep societal process built on forgiveness, tolerance, and rebuilding trust, moving past purely security approaches to strengthen national cohesion and community reconciliation.
Dr. Fairouz Bibi stated, "The visit of His Holiness Pope John Paul II to Algeria was recalled as an indicator of the path Algeria has taken in consolidating peace and national reconciliation after years of violence. I pointed out that the success of this visit and the messages it carried for dialogue and mutual respect was not an isolated event, but rather the fruit of a long process of restoring security, strengthening trust, and consolidating a culture of coexistence within Algerian society." The forum stressed the importance of involving women and youth as key actors in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts, proposing investment in training local mediators and enhancing their capacities. Their practical contribution includes early response to tensions, activating early warning mechanisms, leading mediation, and promoting dialogue.
Institutionalizing Cooperation and Stakeholder Roles
The establishment of a 'Continental Stakeholders Platform' was a key recommendation, designed as an institutional mechanism to ensure sustained cooperation, facilitate the exchange of expertise and knowledge, and enhance coordination and accountability in continental peacebuilding efforts. Participants stressed the importance of institutionalizing cooperation between judicial authorities and traditional and religious leaders, and connecting local initiatives to national and continental peace frameworks. "Weak coordination is one of the most prominent challenges that may limit the effectiveness of continental efforts in peace and security," participants stated, adding that to overcome this obstacle, they emphasized the need for sustainable funding and capacity building to ensure the continuity of these efforts and achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Religious and traditional leaders are considered the first line of defense in many African societies due to their proximity to citizens, societal trust, and legitimacy. "This approach received attention from a number of participants, as an example that peacebuilding is not limited to ending conflicts, but also includes rebuilding trust and creating conditions that allow for dialogue and communication between various religious and cultural actors within a framework of mutual respect," participants noted.
Empowering Women and Youth
The forum stressed the importance of involving women and youth as key actors in conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. Proposals included investing in training local mediators and enhancing their legal and community capacities, and ensuring women's participation in decision-making structures at national and continental levels. Participants reiterated the call for strengthening the role of women in peace and security efforts across the continent. The contribution of women religious leaders requires greater recognition and support within peacebuilding policies and programs, particularly in conflicts with religious, ethnic, or cultural dimensions. Empowering these women religious leaders and increasing their involvement in mediation, dialogue, and early warning efforts can significantly enhance the African Union's goals for sustainable peace and the 'Silencing the Guns' initiative.
