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Dialogue initiatives aim to open lines of communication between (conflicting) actors on contentious issues in order to promote peace. They may exist or be initiated at various levels, and include different actors. This programmatic option lays out the various ways in which such dialogues can be supported, including how they may serve as response options in an electoral early warning and early response system.
Dialogue initiatives aim to open lines of communication between (conflicting) actors on contentious issues in order to promote peace. Various actors may facilitate or initiate dialogue at various levels, including at the grassroots level to address issues of local concern to citizens. Such local level efforts can build a foundation for peace-building initiatives at the regional or national levels.
In an election context, dialogue efforts may target local areas where electoral violence has taken place or where significant tensions have been identified. In these areas, actors may identify perceived conflict actors and issues of contention that may spark violence during elections. Political players can use such contentious issues during the run-up to elections to sow division and galvanise their supporters. Dialogue can help specific communities to counter these narratives and become peace actors, rather than drivers of conflict.
Dialogues as part of Electoral Early Warning Early Response Systems:</
Early identification of conflict actors and key issues is crucial to tailor efforts. Assessing local dynamics allows for more targeted and effective dialogue that addresses specific sources of tension.
In the end, it all comes down to the facilitation being done by an individual or organization that is trusted by those partaking in the dialogue. Ideally the person or organization would also carry weight to ensure the dialogue process is taken seriously.
Depending on the level at which the dialogue is taking place, civil society organizations (CSOs) and/or community and religious leaders are well-suited to lead these initiatives. Their deep community ties and understanding of local issues lend credibility and effectiveness.
International organizations can play an important role in supporting dialogue initiatives aimed at promoting peace, especially during electoral periods. Their added value lies in their perceived impartiality and in providing technical assistance and expertise, engaging national and local governments and addressing transnational issues.
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Initiatives should be culturally sensitive and responsive to local needs. This involves adapting dialogue formats and topics to reflect community-specific concerns and values for greater relevance.
Actively involving youth as facilitators or participants enhances the process. Youth bring fresh perspectives and are key to fostering long-term peace, as they can influence peers and shape future generations.
It is important to ensure gender balance in dialogue settings, providing safe spaces for women and addressing gender-specific concerns. Training facilitators on gender sensitivity can help achieve this inclusivity. Participation of local gender champion can support in having the women perspective during the dialogue.
Use multiple formats to reach diverse audiences, such as community meetings, local radio broadcasts, and digital channels. Clear and accessible communication raises awareness and encourages community participation.
Depending on the type of dialogue and its level, however, it may be necessary to limit public communication about the process. Here are key considerations for managing this confidentiality:
Strengthening Impact through Synergy: It is important to align grassroots efforts with regional and national efforts to ensure consistency and strengthen impact. This coherence ensures that community-level dialogues are not only addressing local issues but also contributing to broader national peace-building objectives. Consistent messaging helps unify efforts across different levels, reducing the risk of conflicting narratives that can undermine trust.
Leveraging Existing Dialogue Forums and Networks: Regional and national bodies often have established dialogue forums and networks that can serve as valuable platforms for grassroots initiatives. By linking local dialogues to these larger frameworks, grassroots efforts can gain access to wider audiences, including policymakers and influential stakeholders. This connection also helps facilitate the sharing of best practices and lessons learned, enhancing the overall quality of dialogue processes.
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For long-term impact, establish or utilize forums that continue between election cycles. Sustained dialogue addresses underlying conflict causes and builds lasting trust.
Expenses include:
Managing these costs is essential to maintain quality and effectiveness.
Mistrust Among Stakeholders: Deep-rooted historical grievances can lead to skepticism and reluctance to engage in dialogue, undermining its effectiveness.
Limited Participation: Key groups, particularly marginalized communities or opposing political factions, may be excluded, resulting in an incomplete understanding of the issues and reduced legitimacy.
Superficial Engagement: Dialogues may be viewed as mere formalities or “talking shops” without meaningful commitment from participants, limiting their impact on actual behaviors and attitudes.
Security Risks: In volatile contexts, participating in dialogues may expose individuals to threats or violence, particularly from extremist groups or political rivals.
Lack of Follow-Up: Without mechanisms for ongoing engagement and accountability, dialogue outcomes may not translate into sustained action or change.
Political Interference: External political agendas
Dialogue and Mediation: A practitioner’s guide, WANEP, 2012
As part of the ‘Building Effective Responses for Peaceful Elections in Kenya’ project implemented by Saferworld prior to the 2017 elections, dialogue was promoted at the grassroots level to establish positive relationships between communities considered to be adversaries. For example, in Trans-Nzoia county, the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission brought together bodaboda drivers, who were seen to fuel electoral violence, together with representatives of security agencies, to discuss how they could share information to jointly promote peace and security during the election period. Through a series of dialogue sessions at the grassroots level, the bodaboda drivers recognised their role in promoting peaceful elections and the security agencies began to see bodaboda drivers as a source of useful information to prevent conflict. Despite challenges, the communities established relationships and lines of communication between each other, which were useful during the ele
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