From 12 – 15 August 2024, the Diplomatic Academy and the International School of South Africa conducted a four-day training programme to equip professionals with the tools to address conflicts and promote peace across Africa. Hosted online by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), the course brought together a diverse group of participants and experts from civil society, academia, and government to explore the complexities of African conflicts and the role of mediation and negotiation in peacebuilding.
The course was inaugurated with addresses from key speakers, including Ambassador Anesh Maistry, Acting Chief Director of the Diplomatic Academy, and Ambassador Maud Dlomo, Deputy Director General of the Branch Diplomatic Training, Research, and Development. Both ambassadors highlighted the importance of the training programme as part of a larger effort to strengthen mediation capacities of women across Africa. They expressed hope that the knowledge and skills gained during the course would enable participants to become key actors in the continent’s ongoing quest for peace and development.
Throughout the week, participants gained valuable insights into the interplay between mediation, conflict, and peace in Africa. The training emphasised the need for African-led solutions, the importance of gender in peace processes, and the role of international cooperation in fostering stability on the continent.
Mrs Pravina Makan-Lakha, ACCORD’s Advisor on Women, Peace, and Security, facilitated a session focusing on the crucial role of women in peace and security, highlighting their contributions as peacebuilders and negotiators. Case studies from Angola and Mozambique were used to demonstrate the impact of women in conflict resolution and peace processes.
The programme has equipped participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to peace and conflict resolution efforts across Africa. ACCORD continues to play a pivotal role in these initiatives. Notably, in August 2021, ACCORD’s Executive Director delivered a similar presentation at a DIRCO training session for women leaders in South Africa, further reinforcing the organisation’s long-standing commitment to empowering leaders in the field of diplomacy and peacebuilding.
