Peace Agents Trained in Savannah Region to Prevent Conflicts
The Savannah Regional Peace Council has trained Community Peace Agents from the border communities of Kukuteen, Garmayiri, and Jinavore to strengthen their capacities in conflict prevention and peaceful dispute resolution. The training programmes, which took place in the communities, were part of the Council's ongoing peacebuilding interventions aimed at empowering community-based actors to identify early signs of conflict and promote dialogue.
Building Capacity for Peace
The two-day training programmes were held in the communities to equip Community Peace Agents and members of the Local Peace Committee with the necessary skills to prevent conflicts. Mr Kennedy Atiibo, Executive Secretary of the Savannah Regional Peace Council, said Community Peace Agents and Local Peace Committee members played critical roles in sustaining peace in border communities, particularly areas that had experienced tensions in recent years.
The participants were taken through practical modules on understanding conflict, causes of conflict, constructive and destructive conflict dynamics, dialogue, mediation, negotiation, and the roles and responsibilities of Peace Agents and Local Peace Committees. The sessions also emphasized participatory learning methods, including group discussions, case studies, and conflict analysis exercises.
Conflict Analysis as a Key Step
Participants identified conflict analysis as an essential step in mediation and peacebuilding. Many noted that the conflict tree exercise helped them understand the importance of addressing root causes rather than only reacting to visible signs of conflict. Madam Hannah Rahim, a resident of Garmayiri, described the exercise as eye-opening and said it had changed her perspective on dispute resolution.
She said mediators needed to understand the different interests, perceptions, and factors influencing a dispute before attempting to resolve it. Mr Maurice Kuudenie, a resident of Lewuriyiri, shared a similar view and recounted a community dispute involving alleged crop destruction by livestock. He explained that an investigation conducted by a local team revealed that the extent of the damage was far less than initially reported, enabling the matter to be resolved amicably.
Challenges and Opportunities
Participants also reflected on the practical challenges facing community peace structures. Madam Charlotte Yourpour, a member of the Local Peace Committee in Lewuriyiri, observed that peacebuilding required the confidence and cooperation of community members. She stressed the need for committee members to demonstrate integrity, fairness, and exemplary conduct to gain public trust.
The training also provided an opportunity for dialogue between farmers and herders. Mr Issah Sanbo, a Fulbe participant, urged Peace Agents to avoid making assumptions whenever crop destruction occurred. He explained that livestock could sometimes stray accidentally, adding that proper investigation was necessary before responsibility was assigned.
Moving Forward
The training has equipped Community Peace Agents and members of the Local Peace Committee with the necessary skills to prevent conflicts and promote peaceful dispute resolution. Mr Robert Dari, a resident of Kukuteen, reminded participants that peacebuilding was achieved not through force but through knowledge, dialogue, and responsible leadership. He encouraged them to apply the skills acquired during the training to promote peaceful coexistence and justify the confidence placed in them by their communities.
The Savannah Regional Peace Council's ongoing peacebuilding interventions are a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in the region. By empowering community-based actors with the necessary skills to prevent conflicts, the Council is contributing to the creation of a more peaceful and harmonious society.
Source: Joy Online
