In East Africa and the Greats Region generally, peace and stability face latent risks and have remained elusive for countries
Tanzania is generally considered as haven of peace in region where peace and stability is often tested. Over the years, the country has witnessed relative peace and stability, however some resource based and political conflicts have been recorded. The country’s stability can therefore not be taken for granted.
In East Africa and the Great Region generally, peace and stability face latent risks and have remained elusive for countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somalia and South Sudan. Political and resource-based conflicts exist. Radicalization and terrorism has exacerbated the level of violence and instability in some countries. Political governance is under strain as politicians are accused of being self minded, corrupt and politically disconnected from the real problems and interests of citizens.
National and regional peace building and support institutions are either weak, poorly funded or equally not fully trusted. There is mistrust in the impartiality of some institutions tasked to deliver lasting peace. Conflict resolution , stability and peace building is highly politicized and militarised. Citizen’s participation in regional peace and stability mechanism and organs has been weak and ineffective.
Platforms for citizens and civil society engagement and participation in the different organs and structures of these regional bodies, such as the Civil society platform under the ICGLR and the AU civil society liaisons exist. However, few Civil society organizations in Tanzania are engaged in this area. Existing networks have no funding, suffer poor coordination and organisation of civil society organisations in promoting and influencing conflict resolution, peace and stability.
Under this program we address issues related to national and regional peace, conflict, and stability matters with national and regional bodies such as EAC, AU, UN, IGAD, ICGLR etc via:
- Research and knowledge generation
- Mapping and convening public dialogues to address potential Key Driving Factors (KDFs) of conflicts and instability such as Election violence, political exclusion, extremism, Resource based conflicts etc.
- Support of Young people, Faith Based Organisation and leaders in peace building initiatives.
- Capacity building of citizens, institutions, and actors on peace building and conflict resolution
- Host and participate in National and Regional networks for peace such as the ICGLR CSOs Peace Platform and Africa Diplomats Study Circle
- Facilitate vanguard peace advocacy and campaigns such as producing and promoting peace messages during Elections-( such as Vote for Tanzania, Vote peacefully, Mwalimu on peaceful elections and peace)
- Campaigns against violence of women and children in conflicts, sexual based violence, recruitment of child soldiers and conflict minerals
- Engage and support regional bodies on regional peace, stability, and development matters and processes
- Demand people centeredness in peace building and accountability for perpetrators of violence and conflict
- Production of the regional peace journal