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FECCLAHA developed a policy brief calling for a Paradigm Shift in in the Quest for Regional Integration, Social Cohesion and Conflict Prevention in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa Region. It called for actions that not only focus on the people’s needs and ensuring that they (citizens) participate in and contribute to them but also the need for identifying, equipping and centering engagements of the institutions and persons who are permanently within the communities. This is in recognition that those community-based institutions and persons are capable of influencing both state and inter-state agencies. This strategy also aims at facilitating acceptance of the policies and agenda by the states into the communities.

It called for the development of new ways of building peace through changing the paradigm to engage with and influence the systems and structures at the regional level while mobilizing and creating awareness and cohesion among the citizens; recognize the importance and the roles of the church leaders and actors as well as creating processes and systems toward people-centered regional integration and stability of the region.

“SEEDING YOUTH RESILIENCE AND PEACEBUILDING” is a FECCLAHA documentation of stories of impact and best practices from its Regional Youth Peace Programme engagements that showcases youth journey towards resilience and active involvement in Peace Building and Conflict Transformation.

 

FECCLAHA envisions a peaceful and just society where communities live fulfilling and abundant lives as promised by our Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:10). Since its launch, FECCLAHA remains seized of the matter on peace building and conflict transformation in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.

We are delighted about the successful completion of the Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023. This has energized us to plan for the next five-year strategic phase (2024-2028).

This Strategic plan, 2024-2028, provides an important framework for priority interventions over the next five years. Its development was preceded by an evaluation of the just concluded FECCLAHA Strategic Plan (2019 – 2023) which also included an operational context analysis and an Organizational Capacity Assessment (OCA) process.

As a result of the three processes, FECCLAHA has been able to consolidate its achievements, lessons learnt, and interventions needing to be scaled up in this new strategic planning period.

Further, an elaborate Context Analysis has been undertaken demonstrating the significant challenges related
to Peace and Social cohesion in the region. The analysis has provided an in-depth understanding of the key and emerging concerns in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, which has informed the priorities for the new strategic planning period. The analysis has also enabled the Strategic Plan to align to regional development
priorities including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and AU Agenda 2063 -The Africa we want.

To ensure that the process is inclusive and participatory, a series of internal and external reflections with FECCLAHA staff, members and partners have been undertaken. This process has greatly enriched the Strategic Planning process as it has provided opportunities to deepen context knowledge and to tap on to
the skills and expertise of the various stakeholders.

The implementation of this strategic plan will require proactive leadership, management, and a committed
team to cause sustainable impact during the planned period. Inspired by Prophet Nehemiah’s words, I make
this clarion call to FECCLAHA members, development and collaborating partners, and all other stakeholders
“Come, let us rebuild the wall…” (Nehemiah 2: 17b). I extend my invitation to all our stakeholders to accompany us in this third Strategic Planning phase as we strive towards our vision and mission for a Peaceful and Just Society in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.

May the Almighty God bless us.
Rev. Fr. James Oyet
Chairperson, FECCLAHA
General Secretary, South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC)

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).