Efforts by the international community to prevent election violence have evolved over the last few years. There is broad recognition today that prevention mechanisms need to address root causes of violence through a more coherent approach.
Quaker organisations such as the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) have contributed to reducing post-election violence in Kenya by designing programs that address underlying structural causes of conflict. This innovative work includes training on non violent conflict resolutions, negotiation skills and advocacy and is being applied in other countries of the region with upcoming elections.
In this interactive lunch time discussion, Kennedy Akolo, Regional Director Africa, at the AFSC will present lessons from Kenya on preventative measures and discuss their implications for upcoming elections in the region. Julie Ward, Member of European Parliament and Gerrard Quille, Head of the Mediation and Dialogue Unit within the European Parliament, will provide an EU perspective.
Their interventions will be followed by an informal roundtable discussion guided by the following questions:
- How have the AFSC and the EU tried and contributed to the reduction of post-election violence in Kenya?
- What lessons can be drawn from the recent elections in Kenya for upcoming elections in the region, in particular in Zimbabwe as the situation evolves?
- How can the EU and other actors ensure that efforts on the prevention of election violence also contribute to long-term peacebuilding?
- How to engage with youth to ensure future generations of peaceful elections?
You can find more information about the event here.
A Light lunch will be served to participants from 12:15.
Please note that seats are limited and registration is mandatory. Please RSVP to Dilia Zwart by Friday 1 December, if you would like to participate.