Six illustrated stories telling true-to-life experiences of conflict, displacement, inter-religious dialogue and peacebuilding are now online. Stories for Peace & Social Cohesion – available in text and illustrated videos – feature true-to-life stories illustrating the devastating impact of conflict on people and communities, and how each person can be part of promoting peace and community cohesion.

The stories were developed as part of the “Inter-religious Dialogue for Peace and Social Cohesion in Mozambique (ID-PEACE)” project, co-implemented by MASC Foundation and the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. Produced with CMFD Productions, the stories are available in Portuguese, Emakhua and Emakonde, with slightly adapted English versions for wider use.

“Faith communities and traditional leaders are uniquely placed, with strong community connections and trust, to contribute to conflict resolution and sustainable peacebuilding. We hope that faith leaders, inter-faith dialogue and community groups, and peacebuilders will read, watch, and discuss the stories as part of the constructive dialogues peace.”

Gina Dias, Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Manager, Peacemakers Network

Living Together in Peace

Powerfully told from first-person perspectives, the stories represent a diverse mix of conflict consequences, as well as the powerful potential of faith inspired action for peace. In Miriam’s story, a displaced mother recounts her tragic loss, displacement, and struggling to rebuild while Mohammed’s story explores the complex influences contributing to extremist recruitment. Maura and Amade’s stories both illustrate that interfaith peacebuilding is equally important as part of formal community dialogue and in everyday life.

Today’s global conflicts impact the lives of millions of people. Across Africa, armed conflicts in countries such as Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Sudan further worsen the continent’s already high rates of poverty, food insecurity, and health challenges. In communities, conflict hinders economic development, education, security, and livelihoods.

Promoting peace and preventing conflict is essential to protecting human rights and attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. Interfaith peacebuilding can play a powerful role in fostering understanding, tolerance, and unity for peace.