Empowering Youth Peacebuilders in the Horn of Africa

Last week in Nairobi, Clingendael Academy, in collaboration with IPHRD-Africa, brought together 20 young peacebuilders from South Sudan, Sudan, and Ethiopia—three countries where youth, despite making up around 70% of the population, are often excluded from formal political and peace processes. 

In these contexts, young people face a complex mix of structural barriers, political manipulation, and social stigma, even as many are deeply engaged in civic engagement and advocacy. The training aimed to address this gap by strengthening the capacities of these youth peacebuilders and offering a space for networking and alliance building.

Over four days, participants engaged in hands-on sessions covering negotiation and consensus-building techniques, actor analysis, and modalities for inclusive dialogue. A module on intercultural communication explored how cultural frameworks shape perceptions of conflict and dialogue. The programme culminated in a high-stakes negotiation simulation set in a fictional country, allowing participants to apply their new skills in a realistic scenario.

The training concluded with a panel discussion featuring three regional peacebuilding experts: a representative from the African Union involved in the Pretoria Agreement, the youth civil society delegate to the Tumaini talks for South Sudan, and the Sudan project officer at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. They shared powerful insights on youth inclusion from the perspectives of high-level mediation, grassroots advocacy, and mediation support.

Beyond the skills gained, the training fostered meaningful connections – both within and across borders. Participants exchanged experiences, strategies, and challenges, discovering both shared struggles and unique opportunities for youth-led peacebuilding across the Horn of Africa.