To start the meeting, Gina Dias, Peacemakers Network’s Programme Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, welcomed the group, followed by Jutta Martens, Peacemakers Network’s Programme Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa, sharing the working group’s annual plan, introducing the 2024 Steering Committee, and briefing the group about the recent consultative workshop co-hosted with South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) that explored the impact of religious and traditional actors on peacebuilding in South Sudan. Before transitioning into the larger conversation, Rachel Juan presented on behalf of SSCC about their Elections Preparedness Strategy. The group then reflected from their own context the critical importance of religious leaders, women and youth in supporting safe and transparent election processes.

The Role of Religious Leaders and Actors

Based on discussions being held, members conversed on how peacebuilding, conflict resolution, electoral processes and human rights processes are all interlinked, and thus all relate to the role of religious leaders and actors. Historically, they have significant roles in sharing peaceful messages, dialogue, trauma healing and solving conflicts between warrying parties. They are well respected and have legitimacy and trust among their community. Their role in supporting peaceful and political transition is multifaceted as they can effectively promote peace and unity before, during, and after elections, advocate for free and fair elections, and good governance and democracy. Religious leaders and actors can also have a significant role in civic education, in the monitoring and evaluation process, and act as mediators in case conflicts or tensions arise.

Examples were shared from different contexts including Tunisia, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somaliland, Cameroon, and Nigeria.

In Kenya, it was highlighted that religious leaders and actors have been working especially in countering misinformation through the support of their existing platforms within their communities. Their role in violence prevention, pushing for multi-party democracy, and voter education comes as part of their religious dutures, as churches and mosques are already used as spaces to spread civic education and voting information. Religious leaders and actors are also key first responders within early warning and response systems for violence prevention.

Participants shared that in Ethiopia, the interreligious council serves as a unifying force, bringing together seven religious’ groups from across the country’s 11 regions. This council plays a vital role in conflict prevention and resolution, leveraging its wide-reaching presence and mobilization capabilities. It is widely recognized that a robust interreligious council is crucial for structuring effective peace efforts, as it can wield significant influence and is often endorsed by authorities. These structures in Ethiopia are also seen as valuable assets that can be utilized during elections to promote peace and mitigate conflict.

In Nigeria, efforts to support and enhance the role of religious leaders in conflict prevention become more deliberate, particularly as elections draw near. Concrete, proactive measures have been taken to build trust and relationships, recognizing the influential role that religious leaders can play in promoting peace and stability.

The Role of Women and Youth

Involving women and youth in electoral processes and peacebuilding is considered crucial, as these groups collectively represent most of the population in many countries. Despite their significance, women and youth are often marginalized and their potentential is often overlooked – women are mainly seen as passive observers in the electoral process. Youth, who are typically adept at using social media and technology, could play a vital role in advocating for peace elections and countering misinformation through digital assets. Similarly, women, often regarded as trustworthy and influential within their familieis and communities, could mobilize voters, advocate for gender equality, and promote peaceful elections.

Discussions among the working group members centered on strategies to engage women and youth more actively in electoral processes. Advocacy campaigns have emerged as a popular method to encourage their participation, recognizing their critical role in eleciton-related advocacy to prevent violence and promote peaceful elections. Additionally, there are calls for involving women and youth in election observation to ensure integrity and transparency.

For example, in regions like Somaliland, efforts are underway to engage women and youth more effectively in the electoral process. Civic and voter education, along with measures to ensure the safety of women at polling stations, are considered essential to increase their participation. Similarly, in Cameroon, women have played pivotal roles in mobilizing voters, highlighting their importance in the electoral process and the need for their continued involement.

Recommendations and Lessons Learned Raised by SSA WG Members on Supporting Peaceful Elections