The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), in partnership with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), with funding from the
European Union (EU), recently organized a comprehensive three-day workshop for stakeholders from Imo State, Nigeria. The focus of the workshop was on conflict prevention, violent extremism, crisis management, and peacebuilding, aimed at enhancing the participants' capacity to address these critical issues in the region.
Held at the Golden Crown Hotel, Imo State, from Thursday, October 3rd to Friday, October 5th, 2024, the workshop saw the participation of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, youth groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and media practitioners. These diverse participants came together to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborative learning.
The workshop opened with a session led by Mrs. Patient Ekpeh Obaulo, who provided a detailed explanation of conflict and its prevention, emphasizing that conflict often stems from misunderstandings and disagreements that can escalate into violence. Dr. Bridget Osakwe followed with a session on violent extremism, focusing on its root causes, the dynamics behind it, and how early warning systems can help prevent its spread.
Other topics covered included the definitions and strategies for peacebuilding, the critical role that civil society organizations play in promoting peace, alternative dispute resolution methods, gender, peace, and security, as well as the role of communication in both conflict prevention and management.
The workshop encouraged active participation through group discussions, preliminary sessions, and an open platform for questions and contributions. By the conclusion of the workshop, all participants left equipped with valuable tools and insights for conflict resolution, promoting peace, and preventing violent extremism in their communities.
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