Malian women have yet to realize their full potential as agents of change in their society. Many of them are working for greater social benefits in their communities, and for improved social cohesion and peace-building. But all too often, many obstacles prevent them from doing anything about it. Among these, the weight of socio-cultural norms, lack of access to education and their absence from decision-making processes limit progress on this issue.
In response to this situation, Interpeace and its local partner Aide au Développement Durable (ADD) officially launched the European Union (EU)-funded project "Voix des femmes: amplifier l'engagement citoyen et le rôle des femmes en agents de changement au Mali" in Bamako on Thursday July 13. Until 2025, women's organisations in the north of the country, in the center and in the capital region will be supported in strengthening their organisational capacities. Dialogue with traditional chiefs and authorities will be extended. And advocacy efforts will be conducted with a number of key players to increase the role of these women in peace-building.
Among the speeches made at the launch of the project, Ndeye Sow, representative of the Minister for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family and advisor in charge of women's empowerment, noted that the project "comes at just the right time, as it responds perfectly to the concerns of the highest authorities of the transition for the emergence of a new Mali". "We can only welcome this great initiative", she added.
Present at the ceremony, the mayor of the district of Bamako, Oumarou Togo, invited Interpeace, its partner ADD and all stakeholders to invest "to make this project an unprecedented success for the benefit of the target women's civil society organisations". The success of "Voix de femmes" will depend on "the effective involvement of all stakeholders at all levels", remarked Interpeace Regional Representative Maria Alessia Polidoro.
This commitment is by no means a first for Interpeace in the country. Having been present since 2013, the organisation had already carried out an extensive assessment of Mali's peacebuilding challenges. In this participatory action research (PAR) involving over 5,000 people in eight regions of the country and in refugee camps in three neighboring states, it identified the main obstacles to progress as being the erosion of societal values, lack of access to employment for young people andproblems of governance and insecurity.
Since then, several projects have been established, the most recent being "Voix de femmes". To ensure broad involvement, regional and national advisory committees will be launched to guide all initiatives and activities. The aim is always to make women's voices heard more widely in Mali.
The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda had significant consequences for mental health, social cohesion, and socioeconomic development. By 1996, approximately 130,000 individuals suspected of participating in the genocide had been arrested and detained. One of the major consequences of the genocide has been the severe mental health problems experienced by the survivors due to the horrendous atrocities committed against them and their loved ones. Recent studies have concluded that even genocide convicts experience various psychological distress due to the atrocities they committed, and their incarceration, making their effective reintegration into their families and communities after release quite complex.
“I was deeply traumatised due to my difficult life in prison and held on too much anger against my family because they didn’t care about me as I would have wished,” said Edi (pseudonym), a Genocide convict detained in the Bugesera correctional facility located in the Eastern Province of Rwanda.
Edi’s case is not isolated, as his colleague Alpan (pseudonym) also experienced deep depression and social isolation for over 27 years. “I felt traumatised and anxious every time I thought about what I did during the genocide and how I disappointed my family and community. I didn’t want to talk to anyone here and had lost interest in everything since I thought my life had no meaning,” narrates Alpan.
A significant number of those convicted of genocide crimes have already been released in recent years. According to Interpeace’s research studies, released prisoners are likely to cause tensions and anxiety among families of genocide survivors and the community in general, potentially leading to recidivism. Failure to ensure their effective psychological rehabilitation constitutes a major hindrance to unity and reconciliation gains 29 years after the genocide.
Since 2020, Interpeace and its local partners, Dignity in Detention Organisation, Haguruka, and Prison Fellowship Rwanda, with financial support from the European Union and the Government of Sweden, have been implementing a holistic peacebuilding programme that simultaneously addresses mental health, promotes social cohesion, and strengthens economic livelihoods, with a particular focus on the psychological rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners.
Impact of Sociotherapy healing spaces in prisons
Interpeace, together with its local partners, created Sociotherapy healing spaces in five prisons, namely Bugesera, Nyamagabe, Musanze, Nyagatare and Ngoma to provide inmates about to be released with group-based psycho-social support services.
After a rigorous screening process to assess their level of distress and needs, detainees nearing release are allocated into groups of between 12 and 15 members each. Guided by fellow detainees who had been well-trained, they engage in healing dialogues which last for 15 weeks. Conducted in a safe space and conducive environment, these dialogues simulate mutual healing, peace of mind and cohesion.
“Sociotherapy healing spaces enabled me to realise that being in jail is not the end of my life. Before, I was desperate and thought my life had no value. But now, I have regained a new sense of brighter future after my release, which is due in less than two years,” said Alpan, who added, “They have helped me to reconnect with the one I offended. We often talk on phone, and I feel ready to ask her for forgiveness after my release.”
Like his fellow detainees, Sociotherapy healing spaces enabled Edi not only to cope with his distresses and reconnect with his family but also to live in peace and harmony with other detainees. In June 2023, the first group of 182 inmates graduated from healing spaces in four prisons. Previously, more than 50 inmates graduated during a pilot phase of the programme implemented in Bugesera District, eastern Rwanda from 2020 to 2022. According to programme’s target, three groups graduate every year. Those who graduate from healing spaces are facilitated in acquiring hands-on skills that make them better equipped to create livelihood opportunities and earn a living after their release.
Training of Correctional Officers on the implementation of the curriculum
Interpeace worked with Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) to develop a standardised curriculum for prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration, which was adopted in July 2022. The curriculum serves as a guide to harmonise the process across all correctional facilities and is being implemented by trained correctional officers.
From 5-11 June, RCS, with the support of Interpeace organised a Training of Trainers for 45 Correctional Officers on the implementation of the curriculum. The participants were selected from correctional facilities from across the country. Those who complete the training will also train their in-service colleagues. Superintendent of Prisons Alain Gilbert Mbarushimana, one of the participants commended the training, stating that it has strengthened their capacity to better support inmates.
“During this training we learnt various innovative approaches to prisoner rehabilitation. I feel confident that this will enable us to effectively support inmates to become better individuals. We feel fully equipped to share the knowledge and skills with our colleagues across all correctional facilities,” said Superintendent Mbarushurishama.
During the closing ceremony of the training, Commissioner of Prisons Jean Bosco Kabanda, Ethics and Doctrine Division Manager at RCS, highlighted the importance of the training in enabling the institution to fulfill its mandate of rehabilitating inmates to become better citizens.
He also revealed that the curriculum will be integrated into RCS’s Training School courses offered to newly recruited staff and refresher courses for in-service officers.
"We are all land; it's better if the land feeds us and unites us...". Christian Vangazi, Interpeace programme officer
Effective land administration plays a crucial role in preventing conflicts between communities. Properly managing land resources is instrumental in reducing disputes related to land ownership, use, and access. In the Mambasa territory of the Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), tensions regarding land frequently escalate into violent conflicts. These conflicts are often attributed to the absence of clear policies and regulations governing land administration, as well as the land registry division’s inability to effectively resolve disputes.
Interpeace launched a series of consultations and coaching sessions focused on resolving land disputes in order to prevent conflicts and foster community harmony. These training sessions were created for provincial officials and local stakeholders involved in land administration in the Ituri region. This approach is being implemented as part of the "Support to Mediation for Resilience and Peace in Ituri and the Grand North-Kivu" project funded by the European Union. The project is led by a mediation consortium consisting of Interpeace, the Pole Institute, Action for Peace and Concord, and the Centre for International Cooperation at New York University.
Through this project, Interpeace aims to mobilise all members of the land administration in resolving land disputes to restore peace and peaceful coexistence between communities. "I call on you to lend us a hand in what we are doing so that we can uproot all conflicts and misunderstandings that Mambasa is facing. We are all land, and we will return to the land," said Christian Vangazi, programme manager at Interpeace.
In late February, the consortium organised a technical support workshop for thirty local actors to address and resolve land disputes in the Mambasa territory. The two-day event brought together community leaders and other participants to discuss the intricacies of land law and the identification of disputes. The workshop culminated in the development of an action plan to mediate future disputes. In addition to the practical aspects of dispute resolution, the workshop also provided an overview of basic agricultural law and a brief introduction to the National Land Reform Commission (CONAREF). This information will prove invaluable to participants as they navigate the complex legal landscape of land disputes.
During the course of the workshop, the participants openly acknowledged that they had gained new insights and knowledge related to the land sector. One person expressed gratitude, saying, "We congratulate Interpeace for this capacity-building initiative. I am now informed of the land acquisition procedure and the history of land legislation. Thank you very much for these reminders."
The Deputy Military Administrator of the Mambasa territory encouraged participants not only to act as role models in conveying peace messages but also to popularise the legal framework established by the legislator. "We must be role models in conducting actions on the ground and be guided by the spirit of the law since we act on behalf of the Congolese State," stated the Administrator.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the capacity-building session, as it helped them distinguish between land administration and territorial planning services. They also admitted that they previously did not know who did what in land affairs.
Consultations with actors in Ituri province have been carried out since May 2022 to identify organizations working in the field of peacebuilding.
Addis Ababa, 27 June 2023 – The Ministry of Peace of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Interpeace, in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Peace and Democratic Development (SeeD) and ABCON, today launched the pilot Ethiopian Peace Index (EPI) in Sidama, the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region (SNNPR), and the South West Ethiopian Peoples Region (SWEPR). The EPI is a research initiative that offers a unique tool to understand the state of peace and resilience in Ethiopia, with further analysis on the complexities of conflict and peacebuilding. It also operationalized a new approach to bottom-up and participatory measurement that would provide evidence-based strategies for local and international actors dedicated to fostering peace and reconciliation in the country.
The Index, developed with the support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, used a participatory quantitative methodology in the three regions mentioned above. Through a comprehensive analysis of data collected from citizens, traditional leaders, and Kebele administrators across 101 Kebeles (small administrative units), the Ethiopian Peace Index has quantified and measured various factors influencing peace, including economic, social, psychological, attitudinal, behavioural, and environmental dimensions.
The EPI emphasises the importance of peaceful community and intergroup relations. While individuals were generally peaceful, communities faced many local violent disputes. In order to achieve enduring peace, it is important to cultivate a sense of harmony among diverse ethnic groups, nurture solidarity, and fortify communal relations. The Index highlights the need for objective decision-making by local leaders, capacity building to reduce bias, and peace skills like social tolerance and inclusive identities. The study also reveals the connections between peace and critical areas such as food security, mental wellbeing, and gender equality. It calls for targeted interventions that address scarcity, promote social cohesion, and empower vulnerable groups.
If the Ethiopian Peace Index expands to include more regions in 2023, it will provide a comprehensive national baseline and enable a comparative analysis of peace dynamics across Ethiopia. It aims to serve as a reliable resource for policymakers, peace actors, and development partners in designing evidence-based interventions and monitoring progress towards lasting positive peace. By adopting a multi-systematic lens and leveraging the insights provided by the Ethiopian Peace Index, stakeholders can address underlying grievances, strengthen resilience, and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia.
Integrating MHPSS into peacebuilding and transitional justice efforts in Somalia is crucial for sustainable peace and human development. In conflict-affected regions like Somalia, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders significantly impact people’s well-being. Based on a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that one out of every three Somalis experiences mental health challenges. Additionally, the suicide rate among males in Somalia stands at 11.5 per 100,000 individuals, which surpasses the global average. Regrettably, the availability of mental health services remains limited, with only a small number of healthcare facilities providing such support. In a country with a population of 15 million, there are merely three psychiatrists and 22 trained nurses specialising in mental health care due to a lack of funds and professional training. Somaliland published a mental health policy for 2021 to enhance mental health services, including community-based support, training, research, and legislation. However, due to funding limitations in implementing regulations, the adoption of the policy remains pending. By integrating MHPSS programmes, the diverse needs of individuals impacted by conflict and displacement can be effectively addressed.
The current Interpeace programme, made up of a consortium of diverse partners, "Social cohesion and legitimate governance through transitional justice (Miisaan)", focuses on a locally informed and owned process of transitional justice and reconciliation in the Somali context. The consortium recognises the impact of conflict on mental health and emphasises the need to integrate MHPSS into post-conflict justice and reconciliation mechanisms. To foster dialogue and engagement, round table discussions and intergenerational dialogues were organised in Galkayo, Erigaabo, Hargesia, and Mogadishu, involving community leaders, government officials, civil society organisations, traditional elders, youth, and women. The discussions with various stakeholders unearthed issues that need urgent attention to tackle mental health issues. The discussions increased the programme’s understanding of how to rebuild the mental health institutions. To address these challenges, it was agreed that it is crucial to prioritise collaboration between the government and stakeholders to allocate resources to mental health facilities and services, prioritise human rights, and provide training for medical practitioners and service providers as well as peacebuilding practitioners. Additionally, discussions explored traditional and religious practises as coping mechanisms for individuals affected by violence and conflict.
The discussions highlighted various recurring issues, including revenge killings, land disputes, camel theft, targeted terrorist killings, and administrative disputes, that affect communities. Government stakeholders who participated in the discussions, emphasised the relevance of MHPSS in addressing mental health issues and drawing lessons from other contexts that have gone through community resolution experiences.
As an outcome, a roadmap for MHPSS integration will be developed, aligning with national policies, strategies, and resources. This roadmap will aim to promote consensus and commitment among stakeholders to address mental health and psychosocial needs in post-conflict settings and achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation.
The Miisaan programme affirms that integrating MHPSS structures into post-conflict justice and reconciliation mechanisms is essential, considering the adverse impact of conflict on mental health and its hindrance to the peaceful functioning of societies. This integration will contribute to building greater awareness, advocacy, and policy development to create a better future and stronger state-society relations.
As the sun's warm rays illuminated the arid landscape of Rhamu in Mandera County on the morning of March 11th, 2023, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. The Degodia community in Kenya was preparing for a historic meeting that would bring together their kin from across the border in Ethiopia to address the ongoing sporadic killings that had plagued the county, often attributed to cross-border conflicts spilling over to Kenya. Last year, the Banisa sub-county in Mandera experienced conflicts seeping from the borders of Ethiopia's Dawa and Liban Zone, which is home to both the Garre and Degodia communities, respectively. The sporadic killings threatened the fragile peace that had been painstakingly achieved in Banisa since 2018.
Interpeace, through the Kenya programme and in collaboration with the Mandera County Government, for the first time brought together elders of the Degodia community and representatives from the Degodia clan's King, Wabar Abdille. The attendees included Wabar Abdille's cabinet, the Mandera County Deputy Governor, elected members of the County Assembly, and senior county government officials. Their shared goal was to establish an inclusive cross-border approach to address the conflict triggers and discord in the Banisa sub-county, fostering cooperation and trust between the cross-border communities.
Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in discussions surrounding critical issues. They emphasised the need to break the cycle of retaliatory attacks, build trust in security agencies, and ensure compliance with previous agreements such as the Banisa declaration. Similarly, the elders highlighted the importance of revisiting the Banisa Declaration agreement and proposed revising the document to establish a more binding and comprehensive cross-border agreement that involves the people of Banisa, Malkamari of Kenya, and the cross-border Dawa and Liban Zone of Ethiopia.
In addition, the Ethiopian elders revealed that talks with their Garre counterparts had already begun on the Ethiopian side, signalling promising developments in peacebuilding efforts to initiate efforts to resolve the underlying issues on the Ethiopian side.
"We have taken up the responsibility to amicably resolve issues between the Garre and Degodia clans in Liban and Dawa zones, and we promise that there will be no or less spillovers henceforth," said Sheikh Omar- Advisor to the Wabar Abdille.
Towards the end of the meeting, a significant milestone was achieved. For the first time, the elders signed an intra-community cross-border agreement between the Degodia Elders from Kenya and Ethiopia. The agreement outlined actionable steps, including strengthening efforts to resolve conflicts in Ethiopia's Mubarak District and collaborating with the administrations of the Liban and Dawa zones. Furthermore, the meeting paved the way for future encounters between Wabar Abdille and Sultan Mohamed, traditional leaders of the Degodia and Garre clans, respectively, to initiate effective cross-border peacebuilding collaborations.
Thanking the delegation who attended the meeting, Interpeace’s Kenya Country Representative, Hassan Ismail, called on the leaders to help pacify the cross-border region.
“We recognise that we cannot sustain everlasting peace by only working on the Kenya side. We shall engage our development partners, specifically the German Federal Foreign Office to also support us in doing similar work in Dawa and the Liban Zone of Ethiopia. That way, local resilience for peace can be assured and sustained.”
The significance of engaging the cross-border community through such an inclusive meeting cannot be overstated. Previous peacebuilding efforts had focused solely on Kenya, neglecting the situation in Ethiopia. The timing of this meeting was crucial, as the Banisa sub-county had experienced an upsurge in cross-border conflicts and retaliatory attacks between November 2022 and February 2023. The gathering instilled hope for a brighter future that would end the conflicts, promote resource sharing, and enhance collaboration between the Garre and Degodia communities in Kenya and Ethiopia.
"This meeting has allowed us to achieve what we couldn't achieve for the past decade; it will be the beginning of a long-term peacebuilding engagement with our kin from Ethiopia,” emphasized Haji Bare Hassan, District Peace Committee Chairman, Mandera North Sub-County.
The intra-community dialogue meeting concluded with a sense of unity and optimism, paving the path for future inter-community dialogues scheduled for this year. With the support from the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, the dialogue will, for the first time, bring together Degodias and Garre community members from both Kenya and Ethiopia to establish a sustainable, binding cross-border agreement that would bring the two communities to a uniform resolution, unlike the previous Banisa declaration that was centered in Kenya only.
