The Africa Center for Peace and Conflict
Research was founded in 2012 by experts in
Peace and Conflict Studies, who had worked and researched in this area for a
number of years in Africa at the University level as both teachers and
peacebuilders. These are University teachers and students of Peace and Conflict
studies witnessing Africa torn into pieces by endemic conflicts and war, hence
developing interest in ending them by in-depth research, databasing and
publication, as well as training, negotiation and mediation.
The center cannot
have come at any other point in time, than
now when many African states, apart from being categorized as failing or failed
states,are caught up in intractable intra-state conflicts of ethnic as well as
political nature, with no creativity among leaders to resolving, managing and
transforming them into sustainable peace.
There are several
compelling reasons why conflict,war and peace constitute major concern for
ACPCR and experts in peace and conflict management in Africa.First, the number
of conflicts and wars that occur in Africa is overwhelming. Compared to other regions,
Africa has continued to experience too many conflicts and wars. Some of these wars
are traceble to colonialism. Second, some of these wars are protracted. This
was the case for example with the civil war in Sudan. This war had been going
on since the 1950s. Third, These conflicts and wars have led to massive lose of life and property.
Fourth, while these conflicts wars start
as domestic, they end up as regional and international. They thus have the
potential to destabilize neighbouring countries.Fifth, the horrow of terrorism within the region and continent as
a whole.
Africa
Center for Peace and Conflict Research
brings to light reasons, efforts,and interventions initiated at both national
and international levels towards ending these conflicts and wars on the
continent focusing on what needed to be done towards lasting peace at all
levels of life. Hence the center was established with the following Mission and
Vision:
Founded on the
values of peace, justice and diversity, Africa Center for Peace and Conflict
Research(ACPCR) is an instrument with a mission to pursue avenues for
sustainable peace in Africa,East and Central generally,and Tanzania in
particular. It exists to serve the needs of peace on the continent that has,
for decades, been engulfed in endemic conflicts and wars. ACPCR is an alternative form of forum for dialogue,
negotiation, mediation, and peace activities in all communities.
Based on high
standards of professionalism and expertise, ACPCR aspires to be the best center
for providing peace education, research and publication, training, negotiation,
mediation a and conflict transformation services.
The Mission and
vision of ACPCR will be achieved through among others, the following
objectives: (i) To build the research capacity of African communities
especially those ravaged by wars and those that enjoy peace through peace
building activities; (ii) to offer training and services in non-violent
conflict management and transformation through mediation,negotiation and
counseling as well as enhancing the capacity participants in understanding and
transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth, healing and
reconciliation.
THE IMPOTANCE OF ACPCR IN TANZANIA
Tanzania remains a
relatively peaceful country within the region and Africa generally. Tanzania’s
history before and even after independence has been characterised by true
struggles for socio-political and economic liberation; but also Tanzania has
neither had dictatorial autocractic political leadership nor military rule.
Therefore Tanzania is in a good position to ensure peace and conflict
management mechanisms are in place for early warning and pre-emptive reasons. However, recent
events in the country suggest the
need to safeguard and maintain peace enjoyed now at all cost BUT
non-violently. To ensure continued peace in the country, the following msut be
fundamentally taken into consideration:
First, there is
need for sobriety in politics to avoid violence. If what has been happening
during political rallies is something to go by. Second, natural resources
remain major causes of war and conflict in Africa e.g.The Great lakes region,
the Horn of Africa, east Africa etc. Resource-based conflicts are real and
could be witnessed at the family, community, national as well as international
levels. In this country, there have been several indications pointing into that
direction-Mtwara conflict. Third, the conflict between farmers and pastoralists
require immediate mediation and management at the community level. Fourth,
religion has not been a major issue and remains so in Tanzania. But recent
events in the country could be a wake up call and red signs pointing to
religious conflict.
PROGRAM
AREAS
Africa
Center for Peace and Conflict Research
pursue its mission and vision by
operating four broad programs:
1)
Peace Education
2)
Research,Documentation, and Publication
3)
Training
4)
Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict
Transformation
KEY
STRATEGIES
- Training
and education
- Seminars,
workshops and conferences
- Research
and Documentation
- Lobbying
and Advocacy
- Interniship
and Mentoring
- Staff
capacity building
- Engaging the media in peacebuilding & conflict transformation
For the love of Africa, East Africa and Tanzania in
particular, ACPCR will do everything possible to ensure that peace becomes a
must be item on our radio stations, televison and newspapers. It is on this
basis that ACPCR is collaborating with Center for Legal and human rights to
share with Tanzanians the link between peace and human rights through various
radio and televison programmes. ACPCR hopes
to collaborate with UNESCO Tanzania to introduce peace education in
institutions of learning. We have
already been instrumental in the
introduction of a Masters degree program in “Peace Studies and Conflict
Resolution” at the University Bagamoyo,which commences next month(October).
Media practitioners are encouraged to pursue this program for their own good
and the communities they serve as they will be able to cover peace and conflict
events well and authoritatively.
Together with other stakeholders, ACPCR plans to craft
awards yearly for the following categories:
(i)
A
peace award for the best Journalist of the year and the best media house for
covering peace and conflict issues, knowing that the media remain key actors in
peace and conflict management.
(ii)
A
peace award for the best Musician of the year with a good production on peace.
(iii)
A
peace award for the student of the year
in essay writing on peace and conflict issues.
These awards are to presented during world peace day
celebrated on September 21st every year.
ACPCR wishes every African, East African and Tanzanian
PEACE.
Lioba Mpore
Executive Director
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