Spotlight: what works to prevent conflict in Africa?

ISS and Igarapé are mapping good practices in the Sahel, Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.

Published on 18 October 2017 in Impact

Over the past decade, organisations such as the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) have renewed their commitment to conflict prevention around the world. This new urgency is due in part to the far-reaching human and economic costs of armed conflicts, especially in Africa.

Yet the information on what works to prevent conflict is surprisingly thin. There are few repositories of good practices, and even fewer effective ways of sharing and disseminating them among relevant institutions and individuals.

The ISS and the Igarapé Institute are working together to fill this gap. The new Innovation in Conflict Prevention in Africa project will map and analyse conflict prevention in three African regions – the Sahel, the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa. The project will support the UN, the AU and regional economic communities (RECs) – as well as national and local stakeholders – to prevent the outbreak, escalation or recurrence of armed conflict.

The information on what works to prevent conflict is surprisingly thin

‘The new joint project is an opportunity for two key organisations from the Global South to not only reflect on current and emerging trends in conflict prevention, but also to effectively contribute to enhanced policies and practice,’ says Dr Adriana Abdenur, a Fellow at the Igarapé Institute.

The initiative, supported by the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is assessing a wide range of relevant policies, programmes and practices in the three regions in Africa. A dedicated website launched in September 2017 will showcase findings to key decision makers and practitioner networks. The project will also identify thematic priorities, including mediation, gender and inclusivity, organised crime, combating violent extremism and South-South cooperation.

‘The project brings together two institutions with proven track records in assisting the development of human security policies globally,’ says Annette Leijenaar, Head of ISS’ Peace Operations and Peacebuilding Programme. ‘ISS is a leading organisation in Africa, with particular experience in supporting the AU and RECs. The Igarapé Institute has extensive expertise in developing effective tools that link evidence-based research with practical policy recommendations.’

The partners are currently preparing for field work in Mali, Somalia, Burundi, Guinea Bissau, Somaliland and Rwanda. The research will inform a series of policy engagements in Addis Ababa, Ottawa and New York. It will also provide key information for a data visualisation platform that can assist stakeholders to identify innovative practices in conflict prevention.

For more information contact:

Gustavo de Carvalho, [email protected], +27 12 346 9500

Picture: Myriam Asmani