ACCORD undertook consultative meetings in Maseru, Lesotho from 26-27 August 2018. The theme of the consultation was “Strengthening Local and National Capacities for Mediation and Peacebuilding in the Kingdom of Lesotho”. The consultations aimed at engaging key stakeholders in the country on how to build national resilience during or immediately after peace processes, to ensure that an environment exists to achieve sustainable peace.
The consultations brought together various stakeholders from the university, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and government representatives working in conflict management, mediation and peacebuilding. The consultations allowed ACCORD the opportunity to share the various peacemaking and peacebuilding projects it is involved in across the continent as well as highlight several experiences and challenges the stakeholders are experiencing such as resource mobilisation and capacity building. ACCORD further explored ways and strategies on how to build-on existing networks and initiatives to strengthen the role of promoting peace and dialogue in the Kingdom of Lesotho.
This consultations provided ACCORD an opportunity to reflect on what has been done to contribute toward dealing with conflict triggers in the country and what still needs to be done. By identifying these gaps, ACCORD can build the capacity of local NGOs, government and university on conflict management and mediation in Lesotho.
