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This report provides a comprehensive overview on peace and security in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region with a specific focus on the electoral processes. The study looks at the political, social, and economic processes surrounding elections and how they affect regional stability and democratic governance.

Long-standing historical, ethnic, and geopolitical characteristics of the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa areas have a considerable impact on electoral processes. The political systems and socioeconomic fabric in these areas have been permanently impacted by the effects of colonization, civil wars, and authoritarian rule. This report examines the various electoral practices and procedures used in nations including Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, and Somalia.

The report explores the complex connections between elections in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region, peace, and conflict. It emphasizes how disputed elections and results have frequently resulted in increased tensions, civil unrest, and even military confrontations…Consequently, various stakeholders including faith actors can nurture a setting that is conducive to peaceful, transparent, and credible elections by implementing the provided recommendations and learning from successful practices, helping to bring about long-term peace and security in Africa.

FECCLAHA Regional Faith Women Mediation Network (REFWOMEN) was formally launched as an important structure seeking to coordinate and consolidate the Faith Women’s voice for sustainable peace in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region. Officially launched in September 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda; its current membership is spread through 7 countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, and South Sudan. The REFWOMEN’s current membership consists of women from the Christian and Muslim faith.

REFWOMEN theory of change is if we have an empowered critical mass of women from the faith community from different countries at the regional and national level; and if there is sustained capacity building and enhancement, strengthened networking, advocacy, and lobbying, as well as sustained mentorship and inclusion of youth women; then there will be a robust Regional Faith Women Mediators’ Network at the national and regional level which will contribute to an increased participation of women mediators in peace building processes that is coordinated and strategic at the different levels.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the 31st of October 2000. Resolution 1325 seeks to address critical issues emerging in wars and armed conflicts regarding the welfare of women and the girl child. In its recognition that women are one of the groups that are most adversely affected by armed conflicts, UNSC stipulated measures that are to guide parties in armed conflicts, United Nations Peace Keeping Operations, as well as other actors who may seek to intervene in armed conflicts (UNSCR 2000). The UNSCR 2250 was adopted on 9th of December 2015 being one of its kind with its recognition of youth as vital players in society who must be included in all matters of decision making at the local, national, regional and international levels (UNSCR 2250, 2015). Participation of young people is especially critical in efforts to counter armed conflicts, terrorism and other forms of violent extremisms which contribute to the disruption of social life and political stability. UNSC Resolution 2250 (2015) calls upon member states to establish integrated mechanisms for the meaningful participation of youth in peace processes and conflict resolution (UNSCR 2250, ibid).