Traditional institutions have a central role in building peace in Africa

The Acting Coordinator of the Silencing the Guns Unit, Sheku Tejan Sesay, said that traditional authorities have a "central role" in building peace across the African continent.

He said this was in line with the African Union’s Silencing the Guns Initiative, which the Union has designated a flagship project aimed at ending all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence and violent extremism, and preventing genocide across the continent.

He was addressing a follow-up webinar with traditional leaders in West Africa in support of the implementation of the AU Silencing the Guns Initiative.

“The central message is clear: Silencing the Guns cannot be achieved through continental commitments alone. Peace must take root within our communities, with traditional institutions playing a central role”, he said.

This stems from the fact that Africa continues to face threats to peace and security challenges, including violent extremism, communal conflicts, political instability, and the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.Addressing a follow-up webinar with traditional leaders in West Africa in support of the implementation of the AU Silencing the Guns Initiative, Sheku Tejan Sesay said:

He said that security challenges, including violent extremism, communal conflicts and political instability, among others, are mostly born at the local level, a development he said could be nipped in the bud through the vigilance of traditional authorities.

“Traditional leaders, as custodians of our values and trusted authorities within their communities, have an indispensable role in conflict prevention, early warning, mediation, reconciliation and the promotion of peaceful coexistence”, he said.

He underscored the importance of political commitment, institutional responses, strong community ownership and sustained grassroots engagement in addressing threats to peace and security challenges.

“On behalf of the Commissioner and the High Representative for Silencing the Guns, I wish to reaffirm the African Union's commitment to working closely with traditional institutions in pursuit of Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063 — a peaceful and secure Africa”, he concluded.

Paramount Queen of Alavanyo Traditional Area, Mamaga Ametor Hoebuadzu II, advocated for the meaningful representation of traditional leaders on appropriate peace committees, early-warning networks and conflict-prevention structures.

She also called for clear communication channels between stakeholders, stronger community-based early-warning and response systems, and resources for capacity-building for traditional leaders in mediation, negotiation, conflict analysis, inclusive mediation, reconciliation and peacebuilding.

She said that youth empowerment should be identified as a security priority, with skills development, education, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in community affairs given priority. She believes this would reduce the vulnerabilities that violent actors may exploit.

“Fifth, strengthen accountability and cooperation in preventing armed violence. Support lawful community-level initiatives against illicit arms proliferation while ensuring respect for human rights, public trust and the rule of law.”

“These priorities must be supported by adequate resources, sustained partnerships and mechanisms for monitoring progress”, she said.