Gunjur Hosts Capacity Building Workshop on Peacebuilding, Conflict Prevention, and Violent Extremism

From 23 to 25 May 2024, the REcAP Network, organised a three-day capacity building workshop at Dalaba Eco-lodge in Gunjur, The Gambia. Funded by the European Union, the workshop aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge on peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and violent extremism. The key objectives were to identify peace and security concerns in Gunjur and surrounding communities, equip civil society organisations with relevant information on conflict management, and promote coexistence in communities, organisations, and workplaces.

Participants included civil society organisation (CSO) members, local government officials, traditional leaders, religious leaders, women, persons with disabilities, youth leaders, and academics. The workshop employed a participant-centred approach, encouraging inclusive and effective discussions.

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in technical presentations, question-and-answer sessions, role plays, and case studies. Presentations covered concepts of peace, violence, and conflict, exploring peace and security challenges faced by CSOs and CBOs in Gunjur. Key challenges identified included land disputes, sand mining, youth unemployment, depletion of natural resources, drug misuse and trafficking, inadequate land policies, and slow implementation of laws.

Participants also examined conflict sensitivity, conflict mapping, dialogue, communication, and negotiation. Group discussions and brainstorming sessions provided insights into conflict manifestations and peacebuilding processes. The workshop covered conflict resolution mechanisms, negotiation and mediation concepts, and indigenous conflict resolution methods, allowing participants to identify conflicts and propose solutions.

The workshop concluded with recommendations for follow-up exercises to sustain the momentum. The capacity building workshop in Gunjur is a significant step towards equipping local leaders and organisations with the tools needed for effective peacebuilding and conflict prevention.