July 12, 2024 (MOMBASA, Kenya): The Political Affairs and Peace Building of the Peace and Security Division successfully concluded a high-level consultative workshop on mediation and conflict resolution institutions. The workshop aimed to strengthen IGAD’s capacity in preventive diplomacy and mediation, promoting sustainable peace and security across the region.
This workshop convened representatives from Member States’ Committee of Ambassadors, members of the IGAD Panel of Elders (formerly the Roster of IGAD Mediators), experts, and civil society organizations to develop a Regional Mediation and Conflict Resolution Strategy that expedites intervention and addresses the need for preventive diplomacy and mediation. During the workshop, the participants established a consensus among member states on interventions addressing preventive diplomacy and mediation. They also addressed hindrances to regional efforts in preventing political violence and peacemaking, and ways of reinforcing IGAD’s role as a regional peacemaker effectively.
The workshop adopted a consultative approach with structured discussions in a Davos conference forum style, with presentations and panel discussions by speakers, mediators, and experts.
Some of the key recommendations include; encouraging member states to contribute US$100,000 each to support IGAD’s initiatives, with persistent follow-up to ensure fulfilment, and engaging the IGAD Panel of the Wise with member states’ principals to emphasize the importance of financial contributions. It was also recommended that there is a need to focus on the capacity building of youth and women for effective mediation and peacebuilding at the grassroots level, and the involvement of faith-based groups.
This meeting was conducted with support from the Denmark African Peace Program through the JFA project.
