Building Bridges for Peace: A Transformative Exchange Between East and West Africa
Peacebuilding is a journey, not a destination. This idea resonated deeply during an important exchange programme held from 2 to 4 December 2024, between the Life & Peace Institute (LPI) and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP). The initiative, which brought together civil society organisations (CSOs), youth groups, and government representatives from both the Horn of Africa and West Africa, was not just a meeting of minds—it was a moment for sharing, learning, and crafting a shared vision for peace across the continent.
Creating Connections Across Borders
LPI, a long-standing advocate for peace and human security, has been working in the Horn of Africa for decades, with a strong emphasis on supporting civil society conflict transformation processes in conflict affected areas. Our efforts also focus on policy advocacy efforts, particularly in bridging the gap between civil society and policy actors. On the other side of the continent, WANEP has built an impressive reputation in West Africa for its work in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and good governance. As such, this exchange was conceived with one goal in mind: to create a bridge between the two regions, allowing the experience and success of WANEP to inform and strengthen peacebuilding efforts in the Horn of Africa.
The exchange programme brought together over two dozen participants from diverse backgrounds, including NGOs, government institutions, youth organisations, and other key stakeholders. The aim was clear: to enhance peacebuilding capacity, foster collaboration, and contribute to the long-term goal of sustainable peace and development across Africa.
Learning from Each Other
The exchange kicked off with a series of insightful sessions where participants shared their experiences and explored peacebuilding strategies. One of the key takeaways was the reminder of the importance of understanding the specific context of each country. The challenges faced by youth—often marginalised and stereotyped as either victims or perpetrators of conflict—were front and centre in these discussions. The significance of youth participation in peace processes was highlighted, especially as stakeholders recognised the need to move beyond exclusion and negative stereotypes.
One powerful example shared during the discussions was Nigeria's #EndSARS movement. This youth-driven protest had a significant role in accelerating Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS). The success of the #EndSARS protests underscored how youth movements, even in the face of political challenges, can drive policy change. It was a reminder that, despite the difficulties many African nations face, there are always opportunities for structural change, driven by the energy and determination of young people.
Building a Sustainable Peace Framework
One of the core components of the exchange was centred around the development of NAPs on YPS. Each region had its own set of lessons learned, but there were key commonalities. In both the Horn of Africa and West Africa, it became clear that creating an effective YPS framework requires more than just top-down policy. It requires the inclusion of diverse stakeholders, particularly youth, and a deep understanding of local contexts.
In Nigeria, participants learned about the complex process of developing the country’s YPS action plan, which began with the Aman Declaration in 2015. It involved extensive consultations with CSOs, youth groups, and UN agencies. The consultations led to a series of validation workshops, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders were heard before the NAP was finalised. The official launch in 2021 was followed by a four-year implementation plan, which piloted the NAP in six states. What stood out was the emphasis on inclusivity and trust—crucial elements in a process where youth are not just seen as beneficiaries but as key leaders in peacebuilding.
A meeting with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) further emphasised the need for youth inclusion in governance and peacebuilding. ECOWAS’s initiatives, such as the Youth Summit and Youth Boot Camp, integrate young people into decision-making processes, encouraging their involvement in shaping the future of their countries. However, the discussion also highlighted the challenges that youth in the region face, including governance issues and the pressure to balance activism with restrictions on social media.
Real-World Peacebuilding: Insights from the Ground
The exchange programme didn’t just remain in the theoretical realm; it took participants into the heart of Nigeria’s peacebuilding efforts. A visit to the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) revealed the concrete steps being taken to address conflict, from using artificial intelligence to track hate speech and misinformation to establishing community-based peace committees that focus on reconciliation. IPCR’s focus on youth and gender inclusion was particularly inspiring, demonstrating how young people, alongside women, can be powerful agents of peace.
The exchange also emphasised the importance of traditional governance and conflict resolution methods. During a visit to the community of Dutse-Ahaji in Bwari Area Council, Alh. Abubakar Bako, the Hakimi (traditional ruler), shared how his community resolved conflicts through mediation and dialogue, deeply rooted in cultural practices. These traditional mechanisms are seen as complementary to modern peacebuilding strategies, helping to create a more holistic approach to conflict resolution, and resonated deeply with the participants from the Horn of Africa including those from borderland areas.
Strengthening Cross-Regional Collaboration
Perhaps the most valuable outcome of the exchange was the establishment of strong relationships between organisations from the Horn of Africa and West Africa. Through networking, sharing experiences, and learning from each other, participants formed a vibrant informal network of peacebuilders who are committed to working together on joint peacebuilding initiatives.
Through the exchange, participants also acquired valuable skills—everything from strategic planning to advocacy and communication. The hands-on approach gave participants the tools they need to actively contribute to peacebuilding efforts in their communities – many emphasised how the practical strategies shared during the exchange, such as developing and implementing a NAP, would guide their work moving forward.
Looking to the Future
As the exchange programme drew to a close, participants reflected on the lessons learned and the path ahead. There was a strong consensus on the advantages of continued collaboration, both within and between regions. Several participants suggested that future programmes should offer more follow-up support, including different types of grants to help implement action plans. It was clear that the exchange had sparked a renewed commitment to peacebuilding, but the real challenge now is ensuring that the momentum continues.
One of the most compelling recommendations for the exchange participants was to expand advocacy efforts to regional levels, involving not only governments but local communities as well. This aligns well with LPI’s focus on bottom-up policy engagement that falls within our institutional strategic priorities, and it was valuable to hear firsthand how this approach can be effectively implemented. By involving broader communities, especially the youth, in peacebuilding initiatives, participants believe that the YPS agenda can become a truly grassroots movement that will create lasting change across Africa.
The exchange was not just an event—it was a testament to the power of collaboration, learning, and the shared vision of building a peaceful future for Africa. It showcased the potential for positive change when people from different backgrounds come together to tackle the same challenges. With youth at the centre, and a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and local knowledge, the seeds of peace can continue to grow. Now, it is up to each participant, and the organisations they represent, to nurture those seeds and ensure they grow into a flourishing, lasting peace across the continent.