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Africa Peacebuilding Institute

Impact Stories

Peace and justice initiative in Cameroon

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I thank God and API leadership for the gracious opportunity to be part of the API 2021 online training. I successfully took three courses: Introduction to Conflict Transformation, Peace Club Theory and Practice, and Good Governance and Leadership.

— Rev George Vimensi Minang

Background on peace and justice initiative

In January 2022, I had an opportunity to use my newly gained knowledge. Firstly, I taught Conflict Management to 14 Bachelor and Masters’ students of the Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary. Subsequently, I helped form the Peace and Justice Initiative (PJI) of the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC). Then, we held the CBC’s first-ever seminar on “The Role of the Church in Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding”.

Peace and Justice Initiative (PJI) is a new ministry of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Crisis Relief Committee. I prepared a concept note and presented it to the Committee on February 8, 2022. Because of API, I advocated for a ministry that will intentionally work at transforming conflicts in the church and society. Upon approval, PJI began with myself, Reverend George Vimensi Minang, as its Coordinator.

Born out of necessity, PJI’s mandate is to equip the Church to effectively respond to conflicts inside and outside its walls. PJI trains peacebuilders who will then transform conflicts and create a culture of peace in their homes, churches and communities. This we will do through direct interventions and capacity building. There is still more we need to do to grow this ministry. Furthermore, due to the ongoing violent conflict in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, many conflicts persist in society.

Conflict in anglophone Cameroon

The Republic of Cameroon is a bilingual nation with a colonial past in French and British colonization. The French and British colonies gained independence in 1960 and 1961, respectively. After that, they turned into a federation of two equal states and, finally, a unitary state in 1972. The anglophone minority of the northwest and southwest regions complain of marginalization from the majority francophone community. In 2016, anglophone teachers and lawyers conducted peaceful strikes and demonstrations. They protested government’s attempts to remove anglophone education and legal systems.

The government responded with violent crackdowns. In return, some of the anglophone leaders re-declared their independence in October 2017, creating the Republic of Ambazonia (formerly British Southern Cameroons). This caused a violent armed conflict that is worsening even today. Thousands have died and entire villages have burnt down. Cameroon has thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and even more refugees in Nigeria. Increased insecurity and violence, kidnappings, rape, etc. traumatizes the civilian population.

API materials used in seminar

On April 22, 2022, PJI organized its first seminar on “The Role of the Church in Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding”. There were 27 participants of the CBC (14 Pastors and 13 lay leaders) in this one-day training. Presentations were built using API materials, for example, Conflict Transformation, Good Governance and Peace Clubs manuals one and four. Two seminary students from my January class co-facilitated with me. Assessments and follow-up trainings will be done with this first batch of PJI trainees.

Feedback from seminar participants

The one-day seminar was mind-transforming. As a result, I see Conflict Transformation from a different perspective. Before the seminar, my focus was on the socio-political stalemate between the two anglophone parts of the country. However, as the program ensued, I realized the rich knowledge could apply to every sphere of my life, family, church and society. I applaud the choice of facilitators; moreover, their presentations were impeccable. I say this as someone who has attended many seminars on peacebuilding and conflict transformation. With their spirits high, CBC is sure of creating LASTING impact on the population.

— Gah Joy Defi

The seminar gave me the training that all my life, and at the expense of all my treasures, I could never afford. I am not only informed but reformed. As a teacher, a middle-born child in my family, and above all a Christian charged with the task of leading others to reconciliation, I was ignorant for so long. Often, I used the wrong ways of dealing with conflicts, for example, by avoiding conflict. I left the seminar with a new perspective about conflict management and transformation. Now, I have the courage and skills to approach conflicts that may arise among my children, siblings, colleagues, etc. I will confront the situation rather than remain silent and allow it to escalate. In summary, I recognize conflicts as opportunities for ministry.

— Kune Haggai

I used it last Sunday in church; in short, I’m blessed. People were amazed at how their minds were opened to see how conflict could be dealt with without aggravating it.

— Pastor Austin Nfor

I have used the knowledge to finish a problem that I have been struggling with for 2 years.

— Rev Ntumbi Etienne
DATE SUBMITTED: 29 April 2022
SUBMITTED BY: Reverend George Vimensi Minang, Class of 2021
LOCATION: Bamenda, NW Region of Cameroon

Alumnus discusses peace in radio program

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Background in creative arts

I was trained in the creative arts to analyze community conflicts and perform the correct action. The module “Art Approaches to Peacebuilding” facilitated by Dr. Ann Rita continued my training in this area. The module taught me how to tell stories through Image Theatre, Visual Arts and Theatre Forums. This gave me more creativity to convey information in a correct and direct way.

Samuel Manuel launches his radio program for peace.

When I returned from API, I presented my learnings to the organization that sent me. Furthermore, I shared how I would contribute to building peace in the community. Due to military and political violence at the time, it became a security risk to gather in the Muxungue district. The only public gatherings allowed were government meetings. Therefore, any project implementation would be slow.

Radio program for peace

Even so, I proposed the radio program “Peace in the Community” to the coordinator of RTCC (Chibabava Community Radio Television). The program would provide listener debate around peace themes I studied at API but in an interactive, participatory way.

Radio is a good means of communication as many people access it from their mobile phones. In addition, listeners participate in two languages, Ndau and Portuguese, from their homes without shame or fear. The topics are planned carefully in order to avoid political issues. Finally, the discussion is in short segments, taking into account the time allocated by the radio host.

Listener supported conflict resolution

Some of the topics discussed: What causes conflicts? What is the cycle of conflict? What is mediation and mediation processes? Sometimes, I bring on guests to give a historical account or to ask questions and keep the listeners engaged. One debate was about the issue of men using knives, arrows, machetes and other objects to solve conflict. On the topic, “What causes conflict in relationships,” one caller said,

“Everyone has his own way of thinking, but we cannot admit to this difference. We do not consider that we are not the same body guided by one head.”

The topics really address issues and examples related to the daily life, both social and cultural, of the community. The radio program, which started at the end of 2019, is still doing well today. Most listeners who call or SMS us speak of behavioral and attitude changes. It is helping people resolve conflicts and create a peaceful environment. Finally, it is changing their practices and violent attitudes.

DATE SUBMITTED: 2 January 2019
SUBMITTED BY: Samuel Manuel, Class of 2018
LOCATION: Muxungue district, Mozambique

Conflict mediation in prison ministry

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The Prison Ministry

Since 1996, Meserete Kristos Church Prison Ministry (“the Ministry”) has served prison inmates across Ethiopia. Their vision is to see the inmates’ lives changed through receiving Jesus Christ as Lord. To leave their life of crime and live a life worthy of glorifying God is the goal of the Ministry. The Ministry has assigned ministers in 28 prisons who go into each of these prisons every day and serve the prisoners in spiritual, social, and developmental services.

However, there are major issues which confront the Ministry for example, murder, displacement, and fear. Over 70% of inmates in northern Shewa are imprisoned due to murder cases. In addition, land disputes, drunkenness, theft, adultery, abduction, and vengeance engulfs many communities. Yet, many victims’ families are not able to meet their offenders to get closure and healing. The Prison Ministry works to reconcile these inmates with their victims’ families.

Importance of conflict mediation

Public thanks and broadcast of MKC Prison Ministry’s work in its Facebook page.

The API training was so relevant and important for my work with these inmates. As the Peace Program Coordinator of the Ministry, I oversee the peace and reconciliation program. Among the courses at API, Introduction to Conflict Transformation in African Perspectives and Anabaptist Beliefs and Perspectives were critical in guiding me. As I returned home to face the challenges of the communities, we worked towards the reconciliation and healing of the people. I applied principles from these two courses in my mediation and counselling efforts. Moreover, I used API principles to train others for chaplaincy in the Ministry.

Another example of where I applied API principles was in the preparation, selection and training of inmates to serve as co-counsellors. Because of API, the training focused on conflict transformation and non-violence. These efforts have brought peace between inmates, reduced the cycle of violence in communities, and brought closure to some families who lost loved ones.

A call to build peace

I now consider peacebuilding as a calling on my life. Moreover, I am motivated to pursue more Peacebuilding training. The role of API to build peace in Africa is significant. Its pan-African approach means it can benefit everyone across the continent.   

Name: Asalefew Wolde, Peace Program Coordinator, Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) Prison Ministry

Date submitted: 13 July 2020

Location: Amhara region, Ethiopia

10 peace clubs begin in Burundi

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We immediately put into practice what we learned in Peace Clubs at the API training in June 2018. When we arrived in Burundi, we established 10 Peace Clubs in both Kwibuka (Gitega province) and Kibimba (Ngozi province) annual meetings.

Activities for success

From August until December 2018, we set up 10 Peace Clubs, bringing together 223 students across primary and secondary schools. Activities leading up to this success included: introducing the concept to relevant stakeholders, church leaders and headmasters, seeking their approval of the project, scheduling introduction meetings with teachers and parents of the schools, raising awareness amongst the students, the training of trainers, and finally implementation of the peace clubs. Each club has 20 members, and they operate regularly. There are 19 teacher-facilitators of clubs with 2 framers per club.

Claver, API Class of 2018 and peace club coordinator in Gitega, implemented six peace clubs in two schools.

In Peace Clubs, students learn the understanding, prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Clubs prepare students to become builders of peace and non-violence in the area. In addition, students learn and know their rights and duties. Peace clubs help children traumatized by a climate of violence in their families. They learn that they have the right to use their talents to bring forth positive change in the country which has suffered so much from violence. Peace clubs are preparing future men and women of honor who will be useful for Burundi and the world.

Positive change in students

Prior to students’ participation in peace clubs, there was a climate of conflict and violence in their schools, communities and families that led to student failure and underdevelopment. Positive change is noticeable from day to day. The focus groups organized in the clubs make sure that students learn how to cohabitate with others at school, in their families and in the community. Students become counselors to others at the school and in their families through the education they acquire in peace clubs. They are also becoming more and more capable of peacefully resolving conflicts between themselves and even those between their elders.

Because of these clubs, we see an increase in the school success rate following the change in student behavior. The children’s peaceful and non-violent behavior is noticeable in schools and in the community. Even teachers who were violent towards students are beginning to change their behavior. The result is the reduction of violent conflict and failure in school. Teachers, students and parents are very appreciative of peace clubs because they see the positive change. Children are behaving well, which has led to their success and good cohabitation with others at school, at home, in their families and in the community.

Peace Clubs in Ngozi province have been set up in schools owned by Evangelical Friends Church and a school owned by Scripture Union.
Peace Clubs in Ngozi province were set up in schools owned by Evangelical Friends Church and Scripture Union Burundi.

Preparing for the future

There are many activities scheduled before end of the year, including training more committees and teacher-facilitators, conducting focus groups, and end-of-year ceremonies. In summary, we strongly need your prayer and support. This project is led on the basis of volunteering. We still need financial support. There is a great need for donors who can give out materials. Please, pray for us!

Submitted by: NIZIGIYIMANA Louis Pasteur and BIGIRIMANA Claver, Evangelical Friends Church

Date submitted: 16 January 2019

Reconciliation on the football field

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Two boys were playing football when one of the boys fell and broke his arm. The family of the injured boy went to speak to the other boy’s family. They asked for money and for their son to be returned without injury. To be clear, these boys were playing and not fighting. The boy was not pushed, but he fell down. However, his family refused to forgive which then angered the other boy’s family. Without reconciliation, the issue led to a big fight. It may have even escalated and involved the entire community.

Impossible to forgive

As a result, I came in to help reconcile the two families. It is not unusual for the victim to set impossible terms in order to offer forgiveness. I helped the victim’s family understand that it was not possible for the injury to be undone. Instead, the boy should be taken to the hospital for treatment. Through this reconciliation process, the offender’s family was able to calm down and became sympathetic to the injured boy. Eventually, the injured boy went to the hospital for treatment.

For the boys, they had no conflict and held no grudges. To the surprise of their parents, the two boys were together again the following day. For the parents, however, it was a talk of war. It was not easy for me to bring the families together. In the end, there were apologies, acceptance of apologies and offerings of forgiveness.

Path to reconciliation

At API, we learned about forgiveness and reconciliation. That is to say that without reconciliation, it is difficult to forgive. In this incident, the family that initially refused any kind of apology was able to offer forgiveness. In conclusion, the training I received from API was helpful in bringing the two families together and preventing the conflict from escalating.

Submitted by: Anonymous alumni

Date submitted: 8 January 2019

Solving inter-religious conflict in Nigeria

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My community in Nigeria has both Christians and Muslims. Animosity between these religions dates back centuries ago. As a result, there is violent conflict, loss of lives and loss of property in the country. There is so much enmity, negativity, and skepticism between them. Consequently, their relationship is very weak. It is easy to define any conflict as inter-religious in Nigeria. This magnifies the conflict and, in many cases, leads to violence. One of my motivations for taking the API training was to learn how to prevent such misunderstandings from becoming serious violent conflict.

Upon returning from API, a misunderstanding erupted between some Christians and Muslims in my community. The way it was going, I knew it would soon escalate to an inter-religious violent conflict, which could spill over into nearby communities. Immediately, I put my peacebuilding and reconciliation skills I learned from API into action. Firstly, I contained the conflict within the relevant parties to prevent its escalation into the community. At API, we learned that the more people involved in an issue, the more complicated the issue becomes. Secondly, I identified some underlying relational issues and addressed them openly. I used my conflict analysis tactics and worked with the parties to assess the conflict. Finally, I led the parties to identify the remote causes of the misunderstanding.

I am surprised to say that I resolved this conflict; in the past, I would have hopelessly watched the situation escalate. Importantly, API gave me the self-confidence, skills, and wisdom for solving this conflict. To sum it up, a misunderstanding that would normally lead to inter-religious conflict in Nigeria was resolved. The parties reconciled and happily embraced each other; their appreciation for each other grew stronger that day.

Submitted by: Anonymous alumni

Date submitted: 30 November 2018

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