Workshop on peace promotion
Bamako, 27–28 February 2018
Author: Abdoulaye Bâ
Co-author: Sarah Franck
Download the Report
Summary
The fifth Platform for Peace Promotion in the Sahel, held in Mali on 27 and 28 February and organised by the Cordoba Foundation of Geneva (CFG) and its partner, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), addressed Qur’anic schools in the Sahel, particularly in Mali, and humanitarian cooperation in Chad. It also made it possible to follow up on ongoing projects in Mali, Chad, Nigeria and Mauritania. It brought together some thirty participants with varied profiles (religious and traditional leaders, actors from civil society, politics and the media, experts and academics). The meeting was also an opportunity for a more in-depth evaluation of the “Sahel Platform” project of the CFG’s Sahel programme.
The main avenues for action identified at the end of the event are as follows:
- Follow up on a project for the “integration” (or bridging) of Qur’anic schools into the formal Malian system – an avenue identified as a priority by a large majority of participants, particularly the Malian delegation. The terminology was discussed and further reflection will be undertaken on this question. In addition, the Malian stakeholders asked the CFG for concrete support in terms of technical expertise and capacity building;
- Assess the feasibility of setting up an inclusive platform bringing together charitable actors in Chad, and follow it up if necessary;
- Continue the work carried out by Nigerian researchers, recognised religious leaders and media professionals in Nigeria and, possibly, find bridges for collaboration on this theme with other Sahel countries – participants having identified the project to counter violent extremism in Nigeria as a real source of inspiration.
- From a project-management point of view, the CFG was asked to strengthen the monitoring of projects on the ground, through field visits and more regular exchanges with the actors in charge of the projects, but also by setting up an elaborate monitoring and evaluation mechanism;
- Ensure the continuity of the “Sahel Platform” project, whose usefulness and relevance were stressed by many participants, who see the meeting as a unique opportunity for exchange and mutual enrichment on sensitive and often cross-regional topics.
Download the Report
