New Platform Brings Together Faith and Traditional Mediators to Advance Peace in the Horn of Africa

June 2026

The Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, in partnership with Finn Church Aid (FCA) and with support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, has launched a new regional platform to strengthen the role of tradition and faith-oriented insider mediators in advancing peace across the Horn of Africa.

TFIM Platform Members at the Embassy of Finland, Addis Ababa.

The Platform for Tradition and Faith-Oriented Insider Mediators (TFIMs) brings together 20 experienced and trusted mediators from Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan including religious leaders, traditional leaders, women, youth, and civil society representatives who are already supporting dialogue, reconciliation, and peace efforts within their communities. The platform aims to build a regional community of practice through which the TFIMs can exchange experiences, strengthen mediation skills, and collaborate on locally led approaches to preventing and resolving conflicts.

The platform was officially launched during a four-day programme held from 16–19 June 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The training programme explored the role of religion, tradition, identity, and culture in shaping conflicts and peacebuilding efforts across the region. Through expert sessions, country case studies, practical exercises, and peer learning, participants strengthened their understanding of mediation principles, conflict analysis, stakeholder mapping, and designing context-specific interventions.

Discussions recognised that while religion is sometimes linked to conflict, many disputes are driven by deeper issues including political exclusion, historical grievances, competition over resources, governance challenges, and identity-based tensions. Working in country groups, participants analysed conflict situations from Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, identifying conflict drivers, key actors, and possible mediation pathways grounded in local realities.

TFIM Platform Members at the African Union.

The training also placed emphasis on the meaningful participation of women and young people in peace processes, recognising their contributions while addressing barriers that limit their engagement in formal mediation spaces.

Beyond the training sessions, participants had bilateral meetings with the Embassy of Finland in Ethiopia and the Mediation and Dialogue Division at the African Union. They discussed the interconnected nature of conflicts in the Horn of Africa and the importance of strengthening community-based peace efforts. The Ambassador of Finland to Ethiopia, Amb. Sinikka Antila highlighted the broader importance of mediation, noting that “peace mediation is essential for unlocking regional cooperation, economic development, and stability.” She also recognised the contribution of civil society, faith leaders, and traditional actors in building sustainable peace and encouraged participants to continue advancing locally led mediation initiatives.

The TFIM platform will continue its work through regular peer-learning sessions, regional exchanges, and a small grants mechanism supporting locally led peacebuilding initiatives. By strengthening the skills, networks, and collaboration of insider mediators, the platform aims to promote more inclusive and sustainable approaches to peace across the Horn of Africa.

Read the full training report to explore key discussions, lessons, and recommendations from the programme.

Meet the participants and learn more about the diverse experiences and expertise shaping peacebuilding efforts across the region.

To work with the TFIM Platform for the Horn of Africa, please reach out to Gina Dias at gina.dias@kua.fi.

Follow the Peacemakers Network on social