As we approach the end of the year, I’m taking this moment to share with you the top five crucial events and actions that shaped our journey of organizing for peace in Africa over the past twelve months. These events and actions reflect World BEYOND War and African Chapters’ efforts and progress made towards fostering peace and ending wars in the continent.

Conflicts in Africa have resulted in significant humanitarian crises, displacement of people, and loss of lives. Peace is threatened in most African countries because of poor governance, the lack of basic social services, the absence of democracy and political transitions, the ever-increasing exacerbation of militarization. Considering this context, World BEYOND War hired an Africa Organizer at the beginning of the year, to expand antiwar activism in the continent. So far, we have organized ourselves to act for peace, in solidarity. Read more about Organizing for peace in Africa.

The Expansion of World BEYOND War in Africa was meaningful as a result of collective effort involved in spreading peace initiatives throughout the continent. Our work has been dynamic and suggested progress and a hopeful future. Discover our new Chapter Coordinators here.

The proactive and empowering nature of our work has made young people peace actors through Peace Clubs and Training Programs. Our Chapters have done impactful work to promote a culture of peace in the continent. Here are some examples from Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, Togo.

The work of World BEYOND War on disarmament for peace enabled us to take considerable steps to reduce militarization and promote peace on the continent. We sent a Call to some Governments, asking them to withdraw their troops and close their bases wherever they are in Africa, to stop supplying weapons and military support. We launched the Campaign to Close the Foreign Bases in Djibouti, the Campaign for Peace in Sudan. Take action and sign the petitions to contribute to peace. Our Chapters also engaged in the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, thus encouraging governments to begin negotiations on an international treaty on autonomous weapon systems.

Our Second Imagine Africa Beyond War Conference exposed wars and war-driven factors that prevent the Africa from envisioning sustainable peace and explored opportunities to picture what Africa beyond war is really like, by showcasing the perspectives of activists in the continent who are challenging the structural causes of wars. 761 persons from 86 countries registered for our peace conference and joined 23 experts to support our vision for a just and peaceful world, where dialogue and collaboration replace conflicts.

As we look forward to the new year, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead. To keep making progress towards peace, I am seeking additional support to expand our impact. Your contributions can make a significant difference and help us reach our goals. Please consider making a donation or reaching out to discuss other ways you can support.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Guy Feugap
Africa Organizer
World BEYOND War
[email protected]