Home Blog Page 30

Teaching Peace: Nurturing Young Peacemakers in Ghana through Education

By
Mohammed Ibrahim
-
0
Students of St Paul's Catholic Basic School been taught a peace education lesson, photo by CPRC.

In a region where ethnic and religious diversity sometimes fuels tension, Ghana stands out as one of West Africa’s most peaceful nations. This reputation, however, cannot be taken for granted. 

In September 2024, Ghana experienced incidents of violence over upcoming elections. Other countries in the region such as Mali and Guinea have dealt with ethnic and religious violence in recent decades, including violence committed by youth. 

But efforts are being made to sustain harmony, particularly through peace education in schools. Peace education and sensitization programs aim to empower students as peace ambassadors. Schools across the Ashanti and Central Regions of Ghana are teaching peace education, where students learn conflict resolution skills, social justice principles, and the value of peaceful coexistence. 

Students of Aggrey Memorial Senior High School being taught a peace education lesson, photo by CRPC.

“Ghana is a diverse country with different tribes and religions. Despite this, we have remained peaceful,” said Dr. Charles Ohene-Amoh, the Regional Executive Secretary of the Central Regional Peace Council (CRPC) of Ghana’s National Peace Council (NPC).  “To sustain this, we must instill the culture of peace in our young people,” he told Peace News Network (PNN). 

Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in Diversity

In January 2025, the CRPC collaborated with St Paul’s Catholic Basic School to educate students on peacebuilding, which is crucial for the country’s future stability.

The initiative was a peace education sensitization program themed “Peaceful Coexistence in Diversity.” The program focused on: strengthening students’ understanding of peaceful coexistence, reducing classroom conflicts and bullying, promoting peer mediation, and conflict resolution. Dr. Ohene-Amoh emphasized the need for peace education in schools. 

“We believe that one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts is to educate the youth on how to live in harmony… Schools provide the perfect setting because students are already gathered in large numbers, making it easy to reach them,” he said.

Students of St Paul’s Catholic Basic School being taught a peace education lesson, photo by CRPC.

He highlighted that schools reflect the country’s diversity, with students from various ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. The program teaches them to embrace differences rather than allow them to become sources of conflict.

“When we visit schools, we see Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists learning together. We teach them to appreciate their diversity and to coexist peacefully. The results have been encouraging.”

The initiative has already shown positive outcomes. When the CRPC revisits schools where the program has been implemented, they observe noticeable improvements in student interactions. “We see fewer conflicts among students. They have become more tolerant and better at resolving disagreements peacefully,” Dr. Ohene-Amoh added.

Peace Education as a Tool for Conflict Prevention

Beyond promoting peaceful coexistence, the program also prepares students for the future. Many of them may later join law enforcement agencies or other security sectors, where their conduct will be scrutinized.

“We made them understand that their behavior in school could affect their future careers. Many didn’t realize that background checks are conducted before recruitment into security services,” Dr. Oene-Amoh said.

He said that additionally, the program introduced peace classes in schools where students voluntarily learn about conflict resolution and earn certificates for their participation. While attendance is not mandatory, students who participate are encouraged with certificates. This motivates them, Dr. Ohene-Amoh explained, to take peacebuilding seriously and apply these lessons in their communities.

Students of St Paul’s Catholic Basic School being taught a peace education lesson, photo by CRPC.

The Ghanaian government has also contributed to maintaining peace in schools by banning demonstrations within educational institutions. This has significantly reduced violence on school premises. “Since the ban, we have not recorded any violent attacks in schools. Combined with peace education, this has created a safer learning environment,” Dr. Ahone-Amoh said.

Youth and Political Manipulation

One major concern in many African nations is the role of youth in political violence. Politicians often exploit young people’s energy and passion, leading them into conflicts. However, with proper peace education, students are less likely to be used as tools for political violence.

“With peace education, the youth will understand the dangers of being manipulated for political purposes. They will think critically before engaging in violent acts,” Dr. Ohene-Amoh stated.

The Challenge of Funding

Despite the program’s success, funding remains a significant challenge. The CRPC struggles to reach all 23 districts in the region due to financial constraints. “We write to organizations for support because our resources are limited. Without adequate funding, it is difficult to reach every student who needs this education,” he said.

“Train a Child, and They Will Not Depart from It”

Barbara Yabom, the CRPC’s Program Manager, described Ghana as one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, largely due to its emphasis on peace education. She cited a biblical proverb, “When you train a child in the right way, they will not depart from it when they grow.”

She emphasized that many young people who engage in violent behavior come from backgrounds where conflict resolution skills were not taught. She said that by training them in peacebuilding early, “we hope to create a generation that values harmony.”

To Yabom, peace education should be a continuous process to instill the values of forgiveness and tolerance. “We have received delegations from countries like Malawi and Ivory Coast who come to learn how Ghana maintains its peace. Peace education is part of our success story.”

She stressed that peace education should not only focus on adults, and noted that it is unfortunate that some people think it should. Yabom added that children are future leaders, and that teaching them these skills now will help them grow up to be responsible citizens who resolve conflicts peacefully.

Calls for Peace Education in the Curriculum

Sam, a senior high school tutor from Aggrey Memorial A.M.E Zion Senior High School Mr Appiah whose school participated in the peace education program, advocated for peace education to be included in the national curriculum, saying that it would help address the “culture of impunity” among students, and reduce their exposure to violent influences from social media.

He noted that many students are unaware of the laws governing juvenile violence. “Some think they can act violently without consequences because they are young. But with education, they will understand that even in school, they must obey the law.”

Students of Aggrey Memorial A.M.E Zion Senior High School during a peace education talk, photo by CRPC.

Appiah believes peace education in schools plays a vital role in shaping students’ moral values. “If we sustain this effort, we will raise a generation of young people who value peace. ”

While challenges such as funding issues persist, the impact of peace education in Ghanaian schools is evident. By instilling values of tolerance, respect, and conflict resolution in students, Ghana is not only securing its present peace, but also building a future where harmony prevails.

As Dr. Ohene-Amoh aptly put it: “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and tolerance.”

Keywords: education, peace education, peace, Ghana, peacebuilding, conflict, conflict resolution, youth, Africa, West Africa

Key Challenges Hindering Peace in Guinea

By
Ibrahim Bangura
-
0
The 2019–2020 Guinean protests against the rule of Alpha Condé, photo by Aboubacarkhoraa via Wikipedia.

Guinea has long grappled with political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest, leading to multiple military coups and widespread poverty. The country now stands at a crossroads; Its search for peace, beyond reducing conflict, is about building strong institutions, fostering national unity, and socio-economic development (Bangura 2019). This article explores Guinea’s tumultuous past, the challenges it faces today, and the pathways it can take toward a peaceful and prosperous future.

After gaining independence from France in 1958, Guinea pursued an ambitious path of economic self-reliance under the rule of President Sékou Touré. Touré’s regime was authoritarian, with widespread human rights abuses. Following his death in 1984, Lansana Conté took power through a military coup, promising democratic reforms which were unfulfilled. 

Ethnic tensions, economic mismanagement, and corruption fuelled civilian resentment. Public protests and strikes culminated in the 2008 coup that brought Captain Moussa Dadis Camara to power. His short-lived and controversial rule ended with an assassination attempt, paving the way for a transitional government and the country’s first democratic elections in 2010.

Despite the election of Alpha Condé, political unrest, electoral disputes, and economic instability persisted. The 2021 coup, which ousted Condé, highlighted the immense socio-political challenges the country still faces. Key challenges that the country contends with include:

Political instability and governance issues: Guinea’s political landscape is defined by coups, contested elections, and weak democratic institutions. The transition from military to civilian rule remains incomplete, as successive governments have struggled to establish trust in democratic processes. 

Economic Disparities and Resource Management: Rich in natural resources, Guinea possesses vast reserves of bauxite, gold, diamonds, and iron ore. However, a lack of transparency in mining contracts, corruption and weak regulatory frameworks have prevented sustained and inclusive economic growth. Guinea scored 28th place out of 100 in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International.

Social Divisions and Ethnic Tensions: Guinea’s ethnic diversity, while a source of cultural richness, has also caused division. Political parties and leaders have historically exploited ethnic identities to consolidate power, exacerbating tensions among the Malinke, Fulani, Soussou, and other groups. Without efforts to foster inclusivity, these divisions will erode national unity (Bertelsmann Stiftung 2024).

Infrastructure Deficiencies and Public Services: Inadequate road networks, unreliable electricity, and a fragile healthcare system impede Guinea’s development. Access to quality education and healthcare remains limited, particularly in rural areas, deepening inequalities and restricting opportunities for progress.

Security Concerns and Regional Instability: Guinea is situated in a region with significant security challenges, including conflicts in neighbouring Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Mali. Porous borders and weak security apparatus make Guinea vulnerable to transnational threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, and organised crime.

Guinea’s historical challenges and current obstacles hinder its search for peace. But by fostering democratic governance, promoting economic inclusivity, strengthening national unity, investing in human capital, and enhancing security, Guinea can carve a path toward a future defined by stability and prosperity.

Firstly, a stable future for Guinea requires robust democratic institutions that can withstand political crises. Constitutional reforms should focus on limiting presidential terms, independent judiciary systems, and free and fair elections. Empowered civil society organisations can hold the government accountable and advocate for citizens’ rights. 

Secondly, sustainable economic growth must be prioritised by ensuring transparency in the management of natural resources, promoting local industries, and investing in human capital. Economic diversification beyond mining—such as through agriculture, tourism, and technology—can create jobs and reduce dependency on resource exports. Public-private partnerships can also play a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure and service delivery.

Thirdly, overcoming ethnic divisions requires deliberate efforts to promote inclusivity and reconciliation. Political representation of diverse religious and ethnic groups could foster a sense of shared identity and purpose. Political leaders must refrain from using divisive rhetoric, and instead champion policies that minimise marginalisation, regardless of ethnic background.

Fourthly, a peaceful future for Guinea hinges on an educated and healthy population. Increased investment in education will equip young people with the skills needed for the job market, and foster a culture of civic engagement. Strengthening the healthcare system, particularly in rural areas, will improve life expectancy and overall well-being, reducing frustrations at poor public services.

Finally, civilian oversight of Guinea’s security sector will help keep it accountable. Training security forces in conflict resolution and community policing can reduce the likelihood of excessive force against civilians. Cross-border security threats can be tackled collaboratively by strengthening regional partnerships with organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). 

The road ahead is difficult, but with political will and collective effort, Guinea can overcome its past. The resilience of its people, coupled with strategic reforms, can transform the nation’s potential into reality. The search for peace in Guinea is not a dream—it is a necessity for the country’s progress.

Keywords: Guinea, peace, elections, coup, conflict, ethnic groups, democracy, conflict resolution, poverty, socio-political, Africa, African

References

Bangura, Ibrahim. 2019. Resisting War: Guinean Youth and Civil Wars in the Mano River Basin. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, Vol. 14(1) 36-48.

Bertelsmann Stiftung, BTI 2024 Country Report — Guinea. Gütersloh: Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2024.

This Week in Peace #75: March 21

By
Tara Abhasakun
-
0
People in DRC fleeing fighting between government forces and M23 rebels, screenshot from DW video.

This week, ceasefire collapses between Israel and Gaza despite international peace efforts. DRC and Rwanda presidents meet for talks in Qatar as M23 rebels pull out of talks in Angola. After minimal peace progress for Ukraine and Russia, officials to meet for talks with US in Saudi Arabia.

Ceasefire Collapses Between Israel and Gaza Despite International Peace Efforts

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza has collapsed. On March 18, Israel launched airstrikes on the strip, killing over 400 Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it was attacking “terror targets.” A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Hamas had repeatedly refused to release hostages, and rejected all proposals from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators. On March 19, Israel launched what it called “targeted ground activities” in Gaza. 

These developments follow efforts by several countries to negotiate a ceasefire. On March 12, US envoy Steve Witkoff presented an updated proposal for a month-long extension of the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, which expired on March 1, in exchange for the release of at least five living hostages, and the remains of around nine hostages currently held captive by Hamas. 

Israel says that Hamas is still holding 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to still be alive. Palestinians and Israelis have both suffered massively from the war since October 7, with over 1,200 people killed in Israel, and nearly 50,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, according to the strip’s health ministry. 

DRC and Rwanda Presidents Meet for Talks in Qatar as M23 Rebels Pull Out of Talks in Angola

The presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) met in Qatar for peace talks on March 18. The talks came just a day after the M23 rebel group, which has taken over areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)’s eastern region, announced that it was pulling out of peace talks scheduled for the next day in Angola. 

A joint statement issued with Qatar said that “The Heads of State then agreed on the need to continue the discussions initiated in Doha in order to establish solid foundations for lasting peace.” In the past, DRC President President Felix Tshisekedi has refused to meet M23 for direct talks, however, last week he indicated that he was ready for dialogue, DW reported.

The Congo River Alliance of rebel groups, which includes, said it was pulling out of talks over sanctions that the European Union (EU) imposed earlier in the day against M23 and Rwandan officials. The statement added that the EU’s actions were “obstructing” the talks, and Rwanda said that it would be cutting ties with Belgium, accusing the country of trying to “sustain its neo-colonial delusions.”

In June 2024, an investigation commissioned by the UN Security Council revealed that the DRC’s neighbor, Rwanda, has actively backed this armed group, with the Rwanda Defence Force identified as having ‘de facto’ control over M23. However, Rwanda denies supporting the group.

After Minimal Peace Progress for Ukraine and Russia, Officials to Meet for Talks With US in Saudi Arabia

Following the minimal peace progress achieved for Ukraine and Russia this week, officials of both countries plan to meet with US officials separately next week. Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky said in an X post about the upcoming talks, “We instructed our teams to resolve technical issues related to implementing and expanding the partial ceasefire.” 

Russia will be represented by Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), and Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat who now chairs the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs. 

This development comes after the two countries made minimal progress in peace this week. While Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a full and immediate ceasefire, merely agreeing to halt attacks on energy infrastructure following a phone call with US President Donald Trump on March 18. Hours after the phone call, the two countries had already accused each other of launching air attacks that caused fires and damaged infrastructure. To read Peace News Network (PNN)’s full report of these events, click here.

Keywords: Israel, Palestine, Gaza, peace, Rwanda, Ukraine, Russia, conflict, conflict resolution, ceasefire, peace talks

Peace Progress Between Ukraine and Russia Remains Minimal

By
Tara Abhasakun
-
0
Russian and Ukrainian flags, screenshot from BBC video.

Progress in achieving peace between Ukraine and Russia remains minimal following correspondence between the US and Russia. While Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a full and immediate ceasefire, merely agreeing to halt attacks on energy infrastructure following a phone call with US President Donald Trump on March 18. Hours after the phone call, the two countries had already accused each other of launching air attacks that caused fires and damaged infrastructure. 

Putin expressed concerns that Ukraine could use the ceasefire as a chance to militarily mobilize and rearm, and that Ukraine seeks a ceasefire due to Russian forces gaining almost full control of the Kursk region. However, commentators have criticized Putin’s standards on the conditions for a ceasefire. 

Dan Sabbagh, defence and security editor of the Guardian, points out that Russia’s main condition for resolving the conflict is, “the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv,” according to a statement by Russia made after the call between Putin and Trump. He notes that Ukraine cannot accept this as it has spent three years fighting and experiencing thousands of casualties to prevent a full takeover, and has still lost one fifth of its territory. 

Prior to the phone call, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that, “We will demand that ironclad security guarantees become part of this agreement,” in an interview with Russian media outlet Izvestia.  Some of the guarantees that Russia demands include, he said, “…the neutral status of Ukraine, the refusal of NATO countries to accept it into the alliance.” Even though Britain and France have both said that they were willing to send a peacekeeping force to monitor any ceasefire in Ukraine, Grushko said that the deployment of unarmed post-conflict observers can only be discussed after a peace agreement is achieved. 

These developments come after last week, in response to Ukraine agreeing to the ceasefire, the US has agreed to lift the pause on intelligence sharing, and resume security assistance to Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week that the “ball is truly in their [Russia’s] court,” and that the US believes that peace negotiations are the only way to end the fighting. Trump, despite having had recent tensions with Zelensky, warned Russia that he would put additional sanctions on the country if it doesn’t accept the ceasefire.

Civilians on the ground are continuing to suffer. Earlier this month, Russian strikes killed at least 25 in Ukraine, and Ukraine’s largest ever drone attack on Moscow killed at least three employees of a meat warehouse and wounded 17 others.

Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky on March 4 said that Ukraine was ready to take steps toward peace if Russia would take them as well. Zelensky said in a post on X that the first stages of an end to the war could be, “…the release of prisoners and truce in the sky — ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure — and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same.”

Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, ceasefire, energy infrastructure, Putin, conflict, conflict resolution, peace, progress,

Addressing Heresy in Peacebuilding: Lessons from Indonesia’s Ahmadiyya and Shia Communities

By
Nadia Farabi
-
0
Wisma Transito, a displacement shelter of the Ahmadiyya community in Mataram, Lombok Island, photo by Nadia Furabi, image cropped.

Heresy claims have long been a source of conflict in religiously diverse societies, often resulting in violence and social exclusion. In Indonesia, accusations of heresy against minority groups have led to severe consequences, including forced displacement and prolonged marginalisation. Two groups marginalized this way include Ahmadiyya communities on the island of Lombok, and Shia communities in the town of Sampang, East Java, 

These communities have been labelled as deviating from Islamic orthodoxy, triggering social tensions that have persisted for years. While efforts such as reconversion have been attempted to resolve these conflicts, they have often failed to address deeper mistrust and systemic exclusion. For instance, despite agreeing to convert to Sunni Islam in 2020, displaced Shia families in Sampang remain unable to return to their homes. Incidents like this underscore the limitations of theological solutions in addressing such disputes, and the need for new approaches to sustainable peacebuilding.

Heresy as a Construct: Beyond Theological Deviations

Heresy, derived from the Greek hairesis, meaning choice, is not simply a theological disagreement, but a socially constructed label used to reinforce orthodoxy and socio-political control. In Islamic contexts, heresy is closely associated with zandaqah, a term historically used to describe beliefs seen as threatening to Islamic teachings. Unlike religious outsiders, those accused of heresy (zindiq) are considered “deviant insiders,” remaining within the religious fold while challenging established norms.

Interpretations of orthodoxy have varied across regions and historical periods. The variability in interpretations often reflects local dynamics, including political power struggles and cultural differences.

Wisma Transito, a displacement shelter of the Ahmadiyya community in Mataram, Lombok Island, photo by Nadia Furabi.

In cases like those of the Ahmadiyya and Shia communities in Indonesia, accusations of heresy have been used not only to uphold religious orthodoxy but also to justify social exclusion and violence. These claims serve to marginalise groups seen as challenging the dominant socio-religious order, framing them as threats to community harmony. This highlights the dual nature of heresy as both a theological and socio-political construct.

The Social Consequences of Heresy Claims

The labelling of groups as heretical has far-reaching social consequences, particularly for minority communities. In Lombok, members of the Ahmadiyya community, after facing harassment and mob attacks throughout the early 2000s, have been forced to live in temporary shelters for nearly two decades, cut off from their homes and livelihoods. In Sampang, the displacement of Shia families in 2012 due to similar violence has led to long-term social isolation. Even when attempts are made to reconcile, such as through reconversion, these efforts often fail to address the underlying mistrust and systemic exclusion that fuel conflict.

Puspa Agro, a displacement shelter of the Shia from Sampang. Located in Sidoarjo, East Java. Photo by Nadia Furabi.

Religious Leadership in Navigating Heresy

Religious leaders have a unique role to play in addressing heresy-related conflicts, as their influence within communities allows them to mediate disputes and challenge exclusionary narratives. The 11th-century Sunni theologian Abu Hamid al-Ghazali offers a relevant framework for navigating such conflicts. In his treatise Faysal al-Tafriqa bayna al-Islam wa al-Zandaqa (The Decisive Criterion for Distinguishing Islam from Masked Infidelity), al-Ghazali argued against the monopolisation of religious truth and emphasised the importance of theological diversity. 

For al-Ghazali, disagreements over religious interpretation should not lead to accusations of disbelief or exclusion, as long as the core tenets of Islam— belief in God and the Prophet Muhammad— are upheld. His perspective highlights the potential for coexistence within religious diversity, encouraging dialogue and mutual respect instead of division. This approach offers a powerful model for modern peacebuilding efforts, where theological disagreements often escalate into social conflicts.

Toward Sustainable Peacebuilding

Resolving heresy-related conflicts requires moving beyond theological debates to address the social, political, and structural factors that perpetuate division. The displacement of the Ahmadiyya in Lombok and the Shia in Sampang illustrates the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that rebuild trust and foster inclusion within communities.

Efforts to reintegrate displaced groups must begin by fostering open dialogue between majority and minority communities. Such conversations create opportunities to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding, reducing the stigma associated with heresy claims. Facilitating these dialogues in safe, neutral spaces ensures that all voices are heard and respected, laying the groundwork for long-term reconciliation.

Strengthening legal protections is equally critical. Impartial legal frameworks that safeguard religious freedoms and prevent violence or exclusion based on theological differences are essential for creating a foundation of equality. Legal systems must actively protect the rights of marginalised groups, ensuring their safety and enabling them to participate fully in society without fear of persecution.

Wisma Transito, a displacement shelter of the Ahmadiyya community in Mataram, Lombok Island, photo by Nadia Furabi.

Religious leaders play a vital role in peacebuilding. Their influence within communities makes them uniquely positioned to mediate conflicts and promote tolerance. By emphasising shared values and challenging divisive narratives, religious actors can shift the focus from exclusion to inclusion, fostering a culture of coexistence.

Finally, addressing structural inequalities is a necessary component of sustainable peacebuilding. Displacement often exacerbates existing inequalities by limiting access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Providing resources and opportunities for displaced communities helps reduce tensions and fosters social cohesion, ensuring that peacebuilding efforts are both inclusive and durable.

Reframing Heresy for Harmony

Heresy claims, while deeply divisive, also offer an opportunity to address the roots of exclusion and build more inclusive societies. The cases of the Ahmadiyya in Lombok and the Shia in Sampang highlight the limitations of theological solutions and the need for a broader approach to peacebuilding. 

By engaging religious leaders, fostering dialogue, and addressing systemic inequalities, peacebuilders can transform heresy-related conflicts into opportunities for reconciliation and social harmony. Heresy is not an insurmountable challenge. With inclusive and thoughtful approaches, it is possible to create a society where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated as a strength.

Keywords: Indonesia, heresy, Ahmadiyya, Shia, Islam, peacebuilding, conflict, religious conflict, conflict resolution

1...293031...179Page 30 of 179