Exploring a common agenda for peace in Africa
Exploring a common agenda for peace in Africa

UNHCR and UPEACE (University for Peace) held the second of five regional discussions on Local Solutions Toward Peaceful Coexistence on 22 and 23 January in Nouakchott, Mauritania, as part of the fourth Conference to Promote Peace in Africa.
The diverse assembly of faith leaders, academics, and refugee- and women-led organizations explored how to better include forced displacement in peacebuilding processes, and the vital role education plays in these efforts. This was an essential contribution to the conference's focus on the importance of dialogue and the imperative of reconciliation. Ms. Maimouna Ba, winner of the UNHCR Nansen Award 2024 for Africa, reminded participants that a common agenda for peace is needed across the continent:
"I ask you, as a country of peace, and we civil society activists, peace activists and living together: how can we develop a common agenda, reflect and document initiatives adapted to our reality and political context so that every person in Africa and beyond can raise their voice to offer peace to all who seek it? We must write an unforgettable page of humanity, starting today in this assembly."
Since 2023, the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Mauritania has doubled to more than 280,000. Refugees mainly live in the Hodh Chargui region in the southeast, with over 115,000 residing in the Mbera camp and nearly 148,000 across 70 host villages. This rapid increase has put a significant strain on local resources and services, making efforts by organizations like the Organization for the Assistance of Migrants and Refugees, which facilitates conflict resolution, amongst others, crucial to promoting peaceful coexistence.
With their unwavering determination, refugee-led organizations spoke about their commitment to contribute to solutions for their hosting communities. Mohamed Ag Malha, Refugee Coordinator of Mbera camp, spoke about the Fire Brigade, a refugee-led initiative that includes local community members who prevent and respond to bushfires and foster collaboration between refugees and hosts, said:
"In order to live in peace, it is necessary to actively contribute to its maintenance and consolidation. In this spirit and as a sign of recognition and gratitude to our Mauritanian hosts, we refugees have undertaken several notable initiatives such as bush firefighting, blood donation and environmental protection."
Investing in education to achieve stability and lasting peace was highlighted by the Association of Quranic Teachers, which works with UNHCR in Mauritania to protect children and prevent extremism among youth in Mbera camp and Bassiknou. Huguette Umutoni, Lead for Global Advocacy, Fund for Education and Peace, World Bank Group, echoed the importance of education:
Education is the best weapon to fight against inequality and instability. We do not have the luxury of waiting to act. We need an education system that leaves no one behind.
Actively promoting women's participation is also imperative. Halima Mint Sidoua, Vice-President of the Committee of Refugee Women, said:
"We focus on two main axes: the schooling of girls and the fight against gender-based violence. The committee conducts awareness campaigns in schools, including two weeks before the start of each school year, to encourage people to enroll girls."
The Mauritanian Government maintains its generous open-door policy, aligning with the Global Compact on Refugees, making it an ideal host for the second regional dialogue on Local Solutions for Peaceful Coexistence. At the Global Refugee Forum 2023, Mauritania committed to enacting an asylum law, documenting refugees and integrating them into national services, including health, education, employment, and social protection. UNHCR’s Representative in Mauritania, Mr Tayyar Sukru Cansizoglu, said:
"No single entity can achieve lasting peace alone; we must work together across sectors —refugee-led organizations, civil society, academics, the private sector, and local communities— to build resilient societies. This process is ongoing in Mauritania, with the Government maintaining its generous open-door policy."
Participants agreed that the active involvement of refugees, host communities, and international partners is critical to building sustainable, peaceful solutions. The Conference declaration committed to the inclusion of refugees in national systems and services and to facilitate the participation of refugees, internally displaced and stateless persons with the principle of gender parity, equally inclusive of women, in peace and reconciliation processes.
With the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide already at unprecedented levels, Mauritania continues to be a model for coordination among humanitarian, development, and peace actors in supporting local initiatives for peaceful coexistence and social cohesion. The regional dialogue provided a platform for sharing best practices and forging new partnerships to advance this crucial agenda, while reemphasising the vital role education has to play.