On March 9 of 2023, the Peacemakers Network, represented by Finn Church Aid, with Aga Khan Foundation Mozambique (AFK Moz) and Associação Progresso officially launched Phase II of the ‘Community Social Cohesion Project (CSP) in Cabo Delgado and Niassa, Mozambique. Funded by the European Union Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP), this  18-month project will increase social cohesion and resilience to radicalization in five instability-affected districts of  Northern Mozambique.

During the launch, discussions were centered around sharing key activities in the project implementation with government authorities, promote learning opportunities between provincial and district authorities, and sought out synergies with other development organizations operating in the provinces in strengthening coordination and cooperation.

Conversations were concluded with recommendations that emphasized 1) direct involvement of provincial and district authorities in project implementation, 2) increase the recognition, involvement, and roles of Village Development Organizations (VDOs) in shaping the project, and 3) seek to strengthen ties between the implementing agencies with district and provincial authorities in all targeted areas.

Participants present during the launch include Governors and district authorities from the two target provinces, Cabo Delgado and Niassa, two delegates from the European Commission, project partners AFK Moz, Associação Progresso, and the Peacemakers Network, and over 80 community leaders from all five target districts.

While Phase I of the project addressed factors that incentivize violent extremsim and explored ways to support VDOs, Phase II will build on those recommendations and utilize the Peacemakers Network’s experience on conflict prevention and peacebuilding to strengthen the capacity of all stakeholders to engage in productive dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution.