The Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) recently organized a workshop in Libreville, Gabon, to equip female mediators with knowledge on conflict prevention mechanisms. The training, which marked the International Day of Peace on September 21, brought together 40 participants, including 30 women from the National Network of Female Peace Mediators in Gabon (RENAFEM) and 10 CEEAC officials. The workshop focused on regional mechanisms for conflict prevention, early warning, and management.
The discussions centered on the functioning and missions of the Central African Rapid Alert Mechanism (MARAC), the Multinational Force of Central Africa (FOMAC), and the Central African Peace and Security Council (COPAX). These instruments play a crucial role in preventing and managing crises in the sub-region. The training aimed to enhance the capacity of female mediators to contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Central Africa.
Elisabeth Ngoua Mbina, President of RENAFEM, emphasized the importance of the training, stating that it would enable female mediators to better understand regional mechanisms and strengthen their intervention in conflict prevention. She highlighted the role of women in promoting peace, saying that "peace is built daily, and we are artisans of peace." Ngoua Mbina also stressed the need for capacity building for female mediators to effectively intervene in conflict prevention and analysis.
The RENAFEM President noted that the training would allow female mediators to be more involved in national and sub-regional peace initiatives, particularly in addressing emerging security challenges. She also emphasized the role of female mediators in sensitizing populations to emerging phenomena that could affect social cohesion, such as cybercrime. Ngoua Mbina encouraged female mediators to discuss these issues in universities, schools, and communities.
The CEEAC's efforts to train female mediators are part of its broader strategy to promote peace and stability in Central Africa. The training is expected to enhance the capacity of female mediators to contribute to conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts in the region. The workshop also provided a platform for participants to share experiences and best practices in conflict prevention and management.
The International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21, is a United Nations-recognized day dedicated to promoting peace and stability worldwide. The CEEAC's training for female mediators is one of the many initiatives undertaken by the organization to promote peace and security in Central Africa. The training is also in line with the organization's commitment to promoting the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
The CEEAC's training for female mediators in conflict prevention mechanisms is a significant step towards promoting peace and stability in Central Africa. The training is expected to have a positive impact on the region, particularly in promoting the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Key outcomes of the training include enhanced capacity of female mediators and increased awareness of regional mechanisms for conflict prevention and management.
Key points
- The CEEAC trained 40 participants, including 30 female mediators from Gabon, on conflict prevention mechanisms.
- The training focused on regional mechanisms for conflict prevention, early warning, and management.
- The training aimed to enhance the capacity of female mediators to contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Central Africa.
