DRC’s Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding efforts in East Africa & Great Lakes

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been at the forefront of promoting humanitarian disarmament and peacebuilding, two vital pillars for achieving lasting peace. As we observe the International Day of Peace on September 21^st, it’s crucial to reflect on the impact of these efforts and their significance in the region’s path toward stability and security.

Out of the 9 conflicts that were categorized as a war in 2023, 3 took place in the EAGL region (Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia). In many parts of the EAGL region, small arms are seen as more than just tools of violence; they are often viewed as essential for survival. Communities gripped by ongoing insecurity, a lack of trust in government protection and long-standing historical grievances hold onto weapons as their only safeguard.

In some cases, weapons ownership is symbolically tied to notions of adulthood and family protection that have developed over time in these contexts. Whilst small arms and light weapons remain more widely spread, the use of explosive weapons is also on the rise in the rise in the region, observing high rates of mortar shelling, artillery fire and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across recent conflicts, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and DR Congo.

But peacebuilding is not just about disarmament, it’s about creating an environment where violence is no longer necessary or desirable. This involves strengthening local governance structures, promoting reconciliation and fostering open dialogue between conflicting parties.

In regions where mistrust, resentment and hostility have festered for years, peacebuilding becomes the foundation for sustainable peace, allowing communities to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than conflict. DRC’s HDP programming in EAGL works across four objectives in reducing weapons-related threats; supporting conflict prevention, management and transformation; integrating conflict sensitivity and analysis and influencing policy makers and duty bearers.

One example of DRC’s work can be seen in Kenya, where DRC combines peacebuilding and natural resource management programming to reduce resource-based conflicts and strengthen social cohesion. Supported through EU and Danish assistance, DRC works with local leaders, community members and local authorities, delivering capacity building activities including peace clubs, youth mentorship, dialogues focused on deconstructing harmful narratives at different levels, and working with the county government using accompaniment approaches and training. Activities provide communities with the tools to address conflicts when they arise.

For example, DRC has worked with communities involved in input to County Integrated Development Plans conducting intra and intergroup dialogues that have led to agreements on natural resource sharing helping to reduce climate-induced conflict vulnerabilities.

For example, DRC Kenya through the peacebuilding unit, established the "Women for Peace" initiative in response to the pressing need to address the widespread conflicts and lack of social cohesion within the Kalobeyei settlement in Kakuma.

The initial stage involved the formation of a team of 30 women, drawn from both the refugee and host communities, originating from the existing peace committees in the area. These women were then put through a rigorous Conflict Management Training program, which equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address the prevalent conflicts within the community.

Armed with their newfound expertise, the "Women for Peace" team has since been actively engaged in addressing the various challenges faced by the refugee and host communities. They have conducted eight dialogue sessions at the Kalobeyei reception center, responding to the recurrent episodes of violence that have erupted in this particular setting.

Additionally, the women have facilitated dialogues that brought together refugees and members of the host community to address issues such as access to firewood and conflicts arising in the local marketplaces.

As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, it’s essential to remember that peace is more than just the absence of conflict.

DRC works to create conditions where people can live with dignity, security and hope. These efforts demand close collaboration and long-term support to local actors and structures, and a focus on the underlying causes of violence, to build the foundations for a stable and prosperous future.