From September 17th–23rd, the Peacemakers Network conducted a conflict management training to equip Village Development Organization (VDO) members in the Utendele community in Niassa with skills in conflict sensitivity, mediation, and resolution. The VDO is supported by the Community Social Cohesion (CSC) project that seeks to strengthen social cohesion and resilience to radicalization in Northern Mozambique.

Over two days, participants engaged in discussions, practical exercises, and creative activities covering various aspects of conflict management and resolution.

Over two days, participants engaged in discussions, practical exercises, and creative activities covering various aspects of conflict management and resolution.

The VDO members participating in the training.

Critical topics from the training include 1) understanding conflict, 2) conflict management, 3) gender and conflict, 4) dialogue and mediation, and 5) theater for learning:

About the Community Social Cohesion Project

Together with lead organization Aga Khan Foundation and Associação Progresso, in 2022, the Peacemakers Network began implementation of ‘The Community Social Cohesion Project (CSP)” in Mozambque. This project aims to identify the incentives that drive violent extremism (VE) and discover best practices to support Village Development Organizations (VDOs) in countering VE. The project is funded by the European Union Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) and will draw from the Peacemakers Network’s experience on conflict prevention, and will also provide technical expertise and capacity support to the project team, communities, government, and other stakeholders on interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and social cohesion.